Gail Ann Placke, nee Schallenberg, 68, passed away Monday, March 2 in Washington after a brave and good-humored battle with cancer. Best friend and beloved wife of 50 years to Clements P. (Pat) Placke; loving mother to Jeanne Garlock (Paul), Marybeth Brock (Edwin), and Eileen Copeland (Matthew); grandmother to Ethan, Claire and Brennan Strubberg, and Aidan, Ben and Alaina Copeland; step-grandmother to Matthew and Christopher Garlock, and Hannah, Ethan, Emma, and Olivia Brock; cherished sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend to many.

Gail and Pat were united in marriage September 12, 1964 at St. James the Greater Church in St. Louis. They were longtime residents of the Dogtown area until they moved to Washington in 1984, where they built a home and immersed themselves in the community. Gail was a volunteer firefighter with the Washington Fire Department and a member of the Honor Guard, a part-time EMT with the Washington Ambulance Area District, an instructor at East Central College, and a past adviser of the Fire Explorers Program. Though she is gone, she will continue to touch lives through her teaching and mentoring of others.

Gail wanted everyone to know that her greatest achievements in life were her 50 years of marriage to her best friend, her three wonderful daughters, building her dream home, and helping to educate hundreds of future EMTs and Paramedics.

The family wants to thank everyone for your prayers and support. Gail is at peace and for that we are truly happy.

Services for Gail will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Washington. Visitation will begin at the church at 9:00 a.m. Funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m., with lunch being served immediately after in the church cafeteria.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).