Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Larson, Gale William, Colonel July 22, 2026 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Patricia Currigan currigan1932@comcast.net August 27, 2026, 4:32 pm Lake Funeral Home , Ionia - July 2026 Excerpts from Ionia Obituary GALE WILLIAM LARSON Died July 18, 2026-age 75 of Middleville, MI., formerly of Ionia. Born September 12, 1950 in Greenville, MI, son of William Aldrich & Anita Arlene (Hansen) Larson. Gale went to school in Ionia, graduating with the class of 1968. Next he enrolled at Michigan State University & received his bachelor's degree in computer science in 1972. Colonel Larson was commissioned into the Air Force through the ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps). Gale attended undergraduate pilot training at Laughlin air Force Base in Texas, receiving his wings in 1973, Next he was assigned to the 86th Flying Training Squadron, Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, as a T-38 instructor pilot. He served as an instructor pilot & squadron check pilot until January 1977, when he was reassigned to the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. After competing F-111 training, he was assigned to the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Upper Heyford, United Kingdom, as an F-111E aircraft commander. In August 1979, Colonel Larson was assigned to the 27th Tactical Fighter Wing, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. July 1983 reassigned to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,Ohio., next to Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, California. 1985, reassigned to Center of Aerospace, Doctrine, Research, & Education at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama . July 1988 to Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom. November 1990, deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield & Desert Storm. Colonel Larson retired from active duty in August 2000, with several medals & accomplishments. He was a member ofPeace Church, Middleville. He married Lainie Marie Smotel on July 2, 2005. Surviving are his wife, Lainie Larson of Middleville, children, Leah (Jimmy) Grimley of Dorr & Douglas Smotel of Munising, Grandchildren, Ethan, Aubrey, Sadie & Gracie. Siblings Joanne Pretz, Nancy Glines & Neil (Karen) Larson, Brothers & sisters-in-law Jim (Malissa) Tracey, Linda (George) Tracey Brandon & Doug (Robin) Tracey. Aunt Joyce Evans, Cousins Greg (Sue) Evans & Judy (Gary) Volker, many nieces & nephews & extended family. Preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law John Pretz, Uncle Francis Larson Cousin ue Huver, her husband & Gale's best friend, Jim Huver. Memorial services with Military Honors at Lake Funeral Home, 3521 S.State rd., Ionia