Search by Name

Search by Name

Lee Gagle

1934 - 2020

Lee Gagle obituary, 1934-2020

Lee Gagle Obituary

(News story) Lee Gagle, who won positions of increasing responsibility during a long career at The Blade, including ushering the newspaper and its workers into the computer age as systems director, died Saturday under hospice care in his Waterville residence. He was 86.

He was ill for a week, but had health problems in recent years, his daughter Kelly Karrenbauer said.

He retired in 1996 after more than a decade as systems director. In remarks to colleagues then, Mr. Gagle said a third production upgrade had begun.

"The Blade will eventually be put together electronically from front to back," Mr. Gagle said. "Someday this will make it available to our customers and readers in new ways."

Computers were becoming faster and more complex, Mr. Gagle said then, adding that he told The Blade's then-new general manager "that I would have enjoyed being his wingman but it was time to return to base and let someone younger handle the G-forces."

Bettyann Cole, retired senior information technology manager, said: "He was a great example of not only a manager but a leader. Lee would never ask any staff member to do a task that he was not willing to do himself. He took his responsibility to the company very seriously."

Ron Shnider, who was a longtime member of The Blade's retail advertising sales force, worked as a summer advertising sales intern when he met Mr. Gagle 52 years ago.

"Lee was as much a teacher as he was a boss," Mr. Shnider said. "In any position they put him in, he made things better. Lee was a team player, and that was important. He understood the meaning of relationships, be it with customers or his own staff. Although he was a brilliant man, he never talked down to anybody. He treated everyone with dignity and respect."

Mr. Gagle liked to learn how things worked, whether a computer system at the newspaper or a household system he wanted to improve.

"He liked to learn, and he liked to teach," his daughter said. "When it came to the conversion to a phone system and computer systems, he liked to figure it out and then figure out the right way to teach each person."

As systems director, he dealt with employees in every corner of the operation - those in advertising, circulation, production, the business office, but also writers and editors.

"There were not very many people he couldn't find something to like about, and I don't think there were very many people who didn't like him, even the crotchety ones," said his daughter, who works in the finance department.

For years in retirement, Mr. Gagle convened lunchtime get-togethers of Blade retirees.

He started working for the newspaper's circulation department in 1951 as a part-time station helper. He'd already been a Blade carrier. When he enrolled at the University of Toledo, he was an assistant district manager.

He later worked in the classified advertising department. He became retail advertising manager in 1969 after three years as assistant manager. He became ad services director in 1972, and in 1973 was named executive assistant, "responsible for developing new policies and processes involving interdepartmental relationships, and for directing special project for all areas of The Toledo Blade Co.," according to the news story announcing his promotion.

In December, 1985, he was named systems director, a new position.

Leroy Wesley Gagle was born Feb. 5, 1934, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to Anabelle and Elsworth Gagle. From his father, a salesman, he learned "you have to give people the benefit of the doubt and a way out of a situation," his daughter said. "Don't confront. Be kind. He believed people are trying to do the best they can."

His father's employer transferred him, and the family moved to West Toledo. Mr. Gagle was a 1952 graduate of DeVilbiss High School. He was an Army veteran and served in the military police with the Ohio Army National Guard. He was a first lieutenant when he left the guard in 1966.

Surviving are his wife of nearly 60 years, the former Suzanne Miller; daughters, Kelly Karrenbauer and Kerry Harris; sons, Michael and Steven Gagle; sister, Barbara Smith, and nine grandchildren.

There will be no services.

The family suggests tributes to the Friends of Wood County Parks or Way Public Library Foundation & Friends, Perrysburg.

This is a news story by Mark Zaborney. Contact him at [email protected] or 419-724-6182.
Published by The Blade on Dec. 9, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Lee Gagle

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

JACKIE HILL

December 15, 2020

I had the pleasure of knowing Lee for many years at The Blade, what a perfect example of a gentleman with such great brilliance. So kind and also humorous, my condolences to your family ❤

Diane (Lewis) Rueter

December 9, 2020

Both of my parents (Nancy & Bill Lewis) worked with Lee, at The Blade, until they retired. Then they went to The Blade Retiree's Luncheon to see everyone. In later years, I took my mom to some of these luncheons & Lee and Sue would always remember me. I know my parents really enjoyed working with Lee. He will be missed.

adam

December 9, 2020

May God be with you

Claude Beck

December 9, 2020

Lee and I worked pretty closely at The Blade, but that was a long time ago since I retired quite a while before he did. And we had some contact via e-mail but even that was seldom. Gonna miss him anyway.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Lee Gagle's name

How to support Lee's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Lee Gagle's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more