Gale Arthur Vradenburg

Gale Arthur Vradenburg of Wenatchee died after a very brief battle with cancer, on Monday, September 16, 2013. He was born on March 11, 1948 to Leo and Mildred Vradenburg in Wenatchee, WA. The family lived in Entiat until he was two years old, and then moved to Wenatchee. Gale attended Wenatchee Schools until his senior year when the family moved to East Wenatchee. He graduated from Eastmont High School in 1966. After attending Wenatchee Valley College for 2 years, he transferred to Washington State University graduating in 1970 with a BS degree in Horticulture. To his last day, he loved Cougar football. Go Cougs! He was a member of Acacia Fraternity at WSU. Upon graduation Gale entered the Washington Army National Guard as a clerk Typist or a "Remington Raider" and retired in 1994. The Wenatchee Guard unit nicknamed him "Rader". Gale worked at the Liberty Theater during high school and college where he met his future wife, Sally. He went to work for Cascadian Fruit Shippers as a Horticulturist/Fieldman when he returned from NG basic training. Gale and Sally were married August 7, 1971. Gale was an amazing husband, father, and Papa. Papa's face lit up every time he saw his grandchildren. Gale loved the fruit industry and working outdoors. He was employed by Oneonta/Starr Ranch Growers. He'd say he had the best job, "having coffee with growers and petting their dogs." He was a member of the Washington State Horticultural Association. Gale served as Apple Blossom youth and grand parade chair for parade day communications and parade marshals with his son, Steven, and was a past board member. He was a member of St. Joseph's and Holy Apostles Catholic Church. He also was a 4th Degree Knight and Past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus St. Joseph's Council 1545 and member of the City of Wenatchee Code Enforcement Board. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sally; children, Sarah (Christian) Cox of Parker, CO, Steven (Rebecca) Vradenburg of Cashmere, Krista (Benny) Trapp of Auburn, WA; brothers, Bryce Vradenburg of Marysville, Ronald Vradenburg of Oregon and sister, Suzanne (Jim) Taylor of East Wenatchee; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth, Catherine, Benjamin Vraden, Georgia, Ian, Olivia and Lauren Abigale. Papa will be missed by his grandchildren and all who loved him. There will be a Rosary at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 7:00pm, Wednesday, September 25, 2013 and a Memorial Mass at 11:00am on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wenatchee. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Cancer Care of NCW, Inc., or the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society. You are invite to visit his online guest book to leave memories and condolences for his family at: www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com . Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Gale Arthur Vradenburg

March 11, 1948 - September 16, 2013