Gayle W. Handly

Gayle W. Handly, 66, Black River Falls, Wis., passed away Sunday, Aug. 20, at Mayo Health System-Rochester, Minn. He was born Dec. 20, 1950. in Moberly, Mo., to Thomas and Myrna (Bolser) Handly.

Gayle was raised in Moberly and Metz, and was a graduate of Moberly High School.

He was united in marriage to Cathy (Swisher) on Dec. 4, 1971, at Little Norway Lutheran Church, rural Black River Falls. She preceded him in death in 2009. Gayle then was united in marriage to Melody Nordness in 2016 in Black River Falls.

He worked as an equipment manager for the Chicago and Northwestern/Union Pacific Railroads for many years. Gayle also operated C&G Custom Blinds.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling and spending time with friends and family. Gayle loved his Labradors, Abby and Stormy.

He is survived by his wife, Melody; children, Toby (Tracy) Handly, Brad (Tammy) Handly, Ryan (Gretchen) Handly, Chastity (Kory Kuehl) Fischer, Theresa (Christopher) Nevarrette and James Nordess; grandchildren, Brooklynn, Paige, Drew, Cooper, Chase, Mia, Natalie, Andrea, Laney, Bryson, Grady, Noah, Kollin, Ashlin, Alexis, Isabell and James; mothers, Myrna and Rosalie; and siblings, Becky, Max, Lisa and Bill.

Gayle was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy; and father, Thomas.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 26, 11 a.m., at Little Norway Lutheran Church, Black River Falls, Wis. The Reverend Denise Anderson will be officiating. Burial will be held at a later date.

Family and friends are invited for visitation today, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., at Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, and again on Saturday, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

A celebration of life will be held at the Black River Fall Legion immediately following the service. All are welcome.

Buswell Funeral Home of Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.