Gale Crane

Gale Douglas Crane, age 84, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026, at LaBella of Edwardsville, Illinois. He was born on September 15, 1942, in Granite City, a son of the late Elmer O. and Elfie M. (Stokes) Crane. He grew up as part of a very loving and supportive family, sharing a deep and lasting bond with his brothers and sisters throughout his life.

On April 20, 1968, Gale married Ruth Kellogg, the love of his life, in Granite City. Together, they shared fifty-eight wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, family, and treasured memories.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Gale was drafted in 1964 and served for two years. He later worked at the Shell Oil Refinery for twenty-nine years and retired in 1999. An outdoorsman at heart, he loved hunting, fishing, and simply spending time outside enjoying nature. He shared a special bond with his "band of brothers" whom he hunted with over the years, sharing countless laughs, stories, and adventures in the great outdoors. Above all, Gale’s greatest joys were his family and friends. He was loyal and true, blessed with a circle of lifelong friends whom he held close to his heart. 

Family meant everything to Gale, and nothing made him happier than spending time making memories with his grandchildren. His presence will be deeply missed, but the love and memories he leaves behind will remain with his family and all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Gale was preceded in death by his siblings: Donald Crane, Dorothy Shuppert, Peggy Bly, Curtis Crane, Gary Crane, Shirley Boneau, Harley Crane, and Robert Crane.

He leaves behind his wife, Ruth Crane of Granite City; his children, Jennifer (Ed) Staples of Granite City, Adria (Richard) Repp of Longmont, Colorado, and Ethan Crane of Granite City; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Pat and Jingles Devine.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Maddison (Mitchell) Noyes, Mitchell Staples, Amelia (Shawn) Markwood, LeeAnna (Alex) Davis, Oakes Crane, Etta Crane, and Hawkins Repp; his great-grandchildren, Theo Staples, Stetson Markwood, and Gwendolyn Davis; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

In keeping with Gale’s wishes, he will be cremated and there will be a celebration of life for his family and friends at a later date.

For those who wish to honor his memory, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at irwinchapel.com.