Gale Sutherland Pfueller

1942 - 2022

Gale Sutherland Pfueller
December 7, 1942 - March 25, 2022
Bellingham, Washington - A hometown boy, Gale was born in Bellingham on the first anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7th, 1942, to Gale Ernest Pfueller & Elizabethanne Nolte Pfueller. He attended Campus School, Fairhaven M.S., Bellingham High, and graduated from WWU. Married 60 years to his high school and junior high sweetheart, Gretchen Schalow Pfueller, together they had three children, Gale M., Genevie & Megan. He joined his family's decades-old business, Automotive Parts Service, eventually becoming owner.
"So caring", "kind", "humble", "the nicest man you could meet" - all descriptions people frequently wanted to share with his family about their dad and husband over the years. Through his actions, deeds, words, and frequently sent notes, he readily made people feel valued, seen, and cared for.
He loved the Lord, his family, the beautiful PNW and great adventures. A competitive runner, he was a school-record hurdler at Bellingham High and WWU (then Western State College), a road and cross country racer, then a master's runner, competing in national & world championships in the steeplechase. He had so many hobbies over his lifetime including being a vintage car & RV enthusiast, hiker, mountain climber, extensive traveler, camper, beach lover, pilot, photographer, dirt biker, and always an avid, curious reader. A big track & field enthusiast, he and Gretchen traveled to four different summer Olympics. On a sunny day, you might catch him tooling around in his '57 Chevy convertible, just like the one he had in high school. He was a lifelong & active member of St. James Presbyterian Church and a founding member of the Greater Bellingham Running Club where he remained on the board.
Gale lived a life of positivity and faith, seizing the best of every day and being such a good spirit to all who got to encounter him. He will be so missed, but we are focusing on gratitude for getting to have him brighten our lives in so many ways.
Survived by his wife Gretchen Schalow Pfueller, children Gale Matthew (Viki) Pfueller, Genevie (Steve) Roguski, Megan (Zach) Melrose, grandchildren Galen Arthur, Allison, Hannah, Derek, and Lance. He is also survived by sister Gretchen White, sister-in-law Ursula Dewitt, nephews Jon, Jeff and Greg, niece Hilary, and numerous cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sat., April 30th at 11am at St. James Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to WWU Track/Cross Country Foundation.wwu.edu/GalePfueller, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Whatcom Hospice.