Gale Leonard Christopherson

Gale Leonard Christopherson, 72, of Sioux Falls, SD passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral Services have been set for 10:30am Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Rude's Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Monday, December 29, 2025 at Rude's Funeral Home.

Gale Christopherson was born on May 18, 1953, in Brookings, South Dakota, the son of Leonard and Sadie (Dahl) Christopherson. He was raised on a farm just outside of Brookings, where he developed a lifelong love for agriculture and the outdoors. Gale attended Brookings High School and continued his education in agriculture, a field that would shape both his career and his identity.

In 1971, Gale married Shirley Nordbye Christopherson, and together they welcomed three children: Melissa, Chris, and Shelly. Gale spent much of his professional life working in agriculture, most notably with Sokota (Agri-Pro, Syngenta). He took great pride in his work and truly loved being out in the fields among the crops doing crop inspections. Gale had a deep appreciation for all aspects of farming-from complex growing methods to the practical details of daily farm operations-and he never lost his curiosity or respect for the land.

Family time was especially important to Gale. Many of his favorite trips and excursions with loved ones centered around water-whether oceans, lakes, or simply his daughter's pool. Swimming was a point of great pride for him. He was an excellent swimmer and passed that passion on to his children, teaching them not only how to swim, but how to enjoy and respect the water.

In his younger years, Gale enjoyed playing softball with friends, where he formed many lifelong friendships. He also enjoyed hunting and considered himself quite the archer (although hundreds of deer would thankfully disagree). Gale occasionally enjoyed theater and music but he was best known for his sense of humor, especially his love of telling Ole and Lena jokes, and for a laugh that was truly contagious-bringing joy to everyone around him.

In 2004, Gale met the love of his life, Linda Castle Kauker. Together, they made their home first in Brookings and later in Sioux Falls. During these years, Gale found comfort and enjoyment in simple daily routines-watching the morning news, keeping a close eye on his bird feeders, and learning about the many species that visited his yard. He took particular delight in sharing his knowledge of birds, proudly referring to this interest as ornithology. Gale and Linda also enjoyed learning to cook together and were always eager to share tips, recipes, and stories with family. He especially enjoyed baking, often saying "I cook because I have to, I bake because I want to."

Gale especially cherished trips back to Brookings when all of his children were in town, as well as holiday gatherings spent with his children and grandchildren. Most recently, he and Linda shared a memorable trip to San Diego, creating lasting memories with family.

Gale will be remembered for his deep love of agriculture, his devotion to family, his curiosity about the world around him, and his warm, joyful presence. His laughter, kindness, and steady love will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Gale is survived by: His beloved partner, Linda Castle Kauker; his children, Melissa (Matt) Kurtenbach, Chris Christopherson, and Shelly (Mike) Ritter; his grandchildren, Kati Ritter, Zebadiah Knutson, Kerri Ritter, Zaccheaus Knutson, Kane Kurtenbach, Ben Ritter, Quinn Kurtenbach, Tre Christopherson, Cora Kurtenbach, and Carmen Kurtenbach; Linda's sons Neal Castle and his children Lauren and Landen and Brian (Katie) Castle and his children Macey and Becket; siblings Vinal (Bev) Christopherson and Wayne Christopherson; and many nieces and nephews.

Gale was preceded in death by: His parents, Leonard and Sadie (Dahl) Christopherson; siblings Diane (Dick) Hazelwood and Karen Nelson, and daughter-in-law Shannon Christopherson.