Gale first experienced Extension as a 4-H member in Clark County. He studied at UW-Madison, and then taught high school for two years before taking an assistant county agent position in Outagamie County. This led him to working with 4-H youth. In 1960 he was appointed as assistant director of Cooperative Extension. He served on the committee to plan for the Extension merger in 1965. After the UW System merger in 1973, he became assistant chancellor and director of Cooperative Extension. Gale was often the first one in a position as his career was during a years of growth, prosperity, and innovation.