Gayle Field, 78, a lifelong Stephen area resident and farmer, passed away at Kittson Memorial Healthcare Center in Hallock on Saturday, January 18th , 2025.

Gayle Richard Field was born January 7, 1947 in Warren, Minnesota to Richard and Lucille (Bergeron) Field. He was the first born of three siblings. He spent his adolescent years on the farm in Stephen, Minnesota and attended the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, Minnesota, from his high school freshman year through his college years. In 1968 he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in Viet Nam until 1970. Gayle then returned home to farm alongside his father.

He spent many years enjoying bachelorhood until one day when he was introduced to Patricia Anne (Henry) Oistad who he married on November 23, 2000. He naively took on the chaos of three daughters, three sons-in-law and three grandchildren with nine more to come. Gayle probably didn't have these roles on his life's bingo card, but he took the roles on, rather uniquely, as only he could've done. As he eased off farming, he and Pat enjoyed their years of traveling. They would spend many winters in Florida, in a camper, welcoming families into their cozy home on wheels. Gayle thoroughly enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren. His love language was taking everyone out to eat at a place of his choosing. Another one of Gayle's greatest loves, after Pat of course, was sports. LOTS of sports. Any and all sports. He loved card playing with his friends and sneaking off to the casino. He never failed to be generous in his community. No matter what it was or who it was, if there was a fundraiser, auction or steak dinner, he was there and would always give more than was asked. He made many friends with his easy smile and happy demeanor. For 40 years he served on the Sinnott Township Board, mostly as chairman.

Gayle will be welcomed in Heaven by his parents, Richard and Lucille, brother-in-law, Peter Kenner and sister-in-law, Becky Field. Gayle will be remembered by his wife, Patricia; daughters Tiffany Taylor, Tishara Melcher and Christine Jones; sons-in-law Kerry Taylor, Eric Melcher and Jeremy Jones; grandchildren Morgan (Michael), Cole (Britnee), Kenna (Cole), Madison, Agracia, Delaney (Andrew), Brooklyn (Tucker), Devyn (Jack), Jaxon, Dalton, Bry and Camden; great grandchildren Kaia, Ryker, Connor, Blake, Anya, Hayden; siblings Barbara Kenner, Gary, Bruce, and Cindy Field; as well as nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, January 24th, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in First Lutheran Church, Stephen, MN. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday beginning at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Jeff Brown, presiding; Jody Paulson, organist. Special music will be provided by Gayle's grandchildren, reader, Jaxon Melcher; "Isaiah 40:31" and "He Only Takes The Best". Honorary pall bearers will be Robert Benke, Jerome Hoeper, Jeff Field, Craig Halfmann, Steve Weberg and Jon Petersen. Interment and military honors will be held in the spring at the Stephen City Cemetery.