Obituary of LeRoy Galgan

LeRoy Michael Galgan died on March 27, 2013 at Rolling Hills Manor in Zion, IL. Mike was born to Hazel & Anthony Galgan on March 1, 1922 in St. Paul, MN. He grew up on "The Flats" of the West Side of St. Paul. He enjoyed a childhood playing Hide n Seek, Kick the Can, going to the Movies for a dime, swimming in the Mississippi & hanging out at The Neighborhood House! Mike enjoyed going to school at Laffettye Grade School, Roosevelt Jr. High & Humboldt Senior High where he graduated in 1939. WWII halted as his education as entered the U.S Navy in 1942 as an Aviation Radio Man 1st, providing coastal aerial surveillance Stationed in Belem, Brazil & Sand Point Navy Base in Seattle, WA. He was honorably discharged in Nov. 12, 1945. He married Avis Lillehaugen while stationed in Seattle, WA. After the war Mike continued his education: 1946-50, BS in Mathematics from Superior State College, WI; Masters Degree in "Curriculum & Instruction" from U. of Minnesota. Mike began his career of teaching & coaching in 1950 at Iron River High School, WI & in 1952 he accepted a teaching position of Math & Physics at Warren Twp. High School, Gurnee, IL, where he spent his Career 1952-1988 as a: Teacher, Coach, Athletic Director & Business Manager. Mike coached Football, Basketball & Baseball. His 1957-58 Varsity Basketball team advanced to the Sectional Playoffs. Mike spent his summers working part-time for the Illinois State Highway Department as a Civil Engineer (13 years) as well as for Lake County for 3 years. As a man of his community, among his many volunteer positions, he served on the Newport Elementary School Board. For 11 years, he was elected as a member of The Board of Trustees for Newport Township. He was also a member of the Lake County Farm Bureau and was recognized as an outstanding Educator in Who's Who in American Education 1973-74. After Mike retired from his Teaching & Coaching Career he spent his time serving his community & attending to his forty-acre farm along with his wife, Avis. He is preceded in death by his parents & sisters, Fran Morgan & Helen Samson. Avis, his wife, of 67 years went to be with the Lord in 2010. Since her death he enjoyed living with his children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren in California & Illinois. He is survived by his four children: Bruce (Karen) Galgan, Richard (Sandy) Galgan, Raleigh (Mary) Galgan and Delana (Greg) Hardacre and his 10 Grandchildren & and 32 Great-grandchildren. Services will be held for family & friends at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1800 23rd St, Zion, IL; Saturday, April 6, 2013 with a 10:00 AM Public Viewing, 11:00 AM Funeral Service followed by Committal at Mt Rest Cemetery in Russell, IL. Pastor Kelly, who has been Avis & Mike's Pastor for years, will preside over the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.