Gale was born to Doris (Overland) Bastian and Merle Bastian on July 25, 1950, in Sturgis, SD. He was his mother's favorite birthday gift that year. He spent his toddler years living on Pine Creek. He welcomed his little sister, Sheila, in 1959. Gale attended multiple grade schools dependent on where Doris was teaching that year. He attended Faith High School, graduating in 1968. During his high school career, he was active in basketball and football. During and after high school, Gale worked at the Faith Livestock Commission Company. Gale thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing and skiing with family and friends. His uncle, Wayne can tell you more about the size of the bucks and fish.
Gale worked side by side with his parents and sister's family on the family ranch on Sulpher Creek. They raised sheep, cattle and pigs. In partnership with his dad, he owned and operated a hay grinding and hay moving business. He did farming jobs for many people and operated a feedlot for many years. They built a dam on the property which pioneered advanced farming technology in the rural area, not to mention great fishing! He did custom mechanic work out of his shop for many years as well. He sheared sheep also. His uncle (more like a brother), Jack Overland, helped on many occasions with these jobs.
Gale served on the Opal Hall board as well as the Faith Stock Show board. He was always willing to lend a hand to a neighbor who needed help.
Gale developed a great passion for music. He formed many friendships with so many people in the Black Hills, across South Dakota and in Nashville. He took several trips to Nashville and worked closely with the Wilt Brothers.
Gale married Gwen Cordie on June 16, 1989, in Rapid City, SD, and added three daughters, Erin, Erica and Carly, to his family. They later divorced and Gale started a new chapter working for Cammack Ranch Supply in Union Center, SD. The ranch was sold and Gale, along with his parents, lived north of Union Center. He continued to live there after the deaths of Merle and Doris. He worked at Cammack Ranch Supply for 23 years, several of those as manager. He loved visiting with people particularly during the annual stock show event in Rapid City. He loved to market and sell new items to his customers. He valued his customers so much. He preferred top quality products and enjoyed helping set up new cattle working systems with the customer. He valued quality and customer service highly. His customers will surely miss his caring and honest nature.
Gale cared for and loved animals, but none more than his faithful dog, Buster. Gale and Buster often went for drives together and sometimes Buster was rewarded with a bunny chase at the Cammack Ranch Supply yards.
Gale enjoyed food! He loved to go out to eat with friends and family. He was always searching for that perfect beef steak and dearly loved his Mom's homegrown fried chicken! He also loved a good rodeo. He often took family and friends to the Days of 76 rodeo and the Belle Fourche Round Up. He never missed a good matched bronc ride!
Gale will be remembered for his contagious laugh and his ability to turn an unsuccessful experience into a learning experience. He came up with a new and improved plan quickly. He had a managerial personality of professionalism and liked to make sure everything was done to a high standard. Short cuts were not an option for Gale.
Gale Wayne Bastian, 70, Union Center, SD, passed away following a courageous battle with cancer on October 23, 2020, at Monument Health care Sturgis Hospital.
Gale is survived by his sister, Sheila (Jim) Hostetter, Red Owl, SD; and their sons, Tucker Hostetter (Sue Littleton), Whitewood, SD, and Troy Hostetter (Ann Marie), Belle Fourche, SD; great nephews, Tate, Tanner, Tyce and Kashton; and great niece, Trinity, all of Belle Fourche, SD; daughters, Erin Wilde and family, Texas, Erica Cordie, Florida, and Carly (Bob) Jeffers and family, New Mexico; his faithful dog, Buster; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and Cammack Ranch Supply family.
Gale was preceded in death by his parents, Doris and Merle Bastian; and his grandparents, Ruth and Freeman Overland, and Adam and Elizabeth Bastian.
Visitation will be 5-7 pm on Friday, October 30, 2020, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2020, at Central Meade County Community Center in Union Center, SD, with Pastor          Harold Delbridge officiating. Interment will follow at Bear Butte cemetery in Sturgis.
Memorials have been established to Rural Enning and Meade County Ambulance service.

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