Gale Saltzgiver Obituary

It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we share the passing of Gale John Saltzgiver of Cedar Hill, Texas who left us on November 16, 2024, in Rochester, Minnesota at the age of 76. Gale was born on August 12, 1948 in Rockford, Illinois, to Clyde and T. Rae (Gale) Saltzgiver. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, especially as a devoted grandfather. 

He was a proud 1966 graduate of Auburn High School and served his country with honor in the U.S. Army from 1968 - 1971. Gale enjoyed his leisure time fishing, golfing and reading westerns. Music was another great love, and in the 1960’s he played bass guitar with the local Rockford band The Caveman and later with Clinic. Gale enjoyed a fulfilling career in sales and marketing, working in real estate development of campgrounds, mobile home/rv parks, subdivisions and timeshare. He was often referred to as the “fix it” man when sales were slow or the development was struggling.

Gale is survived by his wife, Cindi; his son, John (Martha) Saltzgiver, and son-in-law, Russel (Marie) Safran; his treasured grandchildren, Kai Saltzgiver, Alexandra Safran, Sydney Safran, Jessica Safran and Gregory Tyler; his siblings, Mary Ann Petersen, Sarah (Steve) Skridla, Paul (Jennie) Saltzgiver, and Cynthia (Mike) Carlson; and his brother-in-law, Ross (Nancy) Ellison. Gale is predeceased by his daughter, Kristin Safran, whose loss he always carried in his heart.. 

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N Rockton Ave, Rockford, IL. A Funeral service will take place following the visitation at 12:00 noon. He will be laid to rest at Burritt Cemetery, where his memory will live on in the peace of nature. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Rochester, MN (Donate Here) or Burritt Township for Burritt Cemetery. To share memories or extend condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfuneralhome.com. 

Gale’s passing leaves a void in our hearts, but we take comfort in knowing his spirit remains with us in every memory he leaves behind. His legacy of love will live on, ever enduring.