Donald Fredrick Gallmeier

Donald Gallmeier of Rock Creek passed away at his home on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at the age of 71. Donald Fredrick Gallmeier was born on September 24, 1944 in Braham, MN to John “Jack” and Irene (Lindgren) Gallmeier. He attended 1st through 6th grade at Whitter Country School and Ogilvie High School. He then went on to St. Paul Vocational School. Don was a proud Local Union 1 Brick Layer since 1966; he retired at the age of 55. Don lived in Rock Creek since 1976 where he built his home. He loved to go to thrashing shows, flea markets, garage sales and auctions. He was proud of all the trinkets he had in his “man cave” including every single meat grinder, his tractors and his 1947 Ford pick-up truck. Don loved to tell stories of his upbringing and his past events. He was well known for his one liner’s, his sense of humor and he loved to give his advice: “don’t take any wooden nickels and keep working so I can continue to collect my Social Security.” He was known to always say “it’s different.” Don tried to live life to the fullest and enjoyed going out to eat at his favorite restaurants and teasing the waitresses, visiting with his friends and getting the daily newspaper, lottery tickets and playing games on his I-pad. He also enjoyed feeding the birds, driving his golf cart to visit his neighbors and exploring his land. Don is survived by his children Melisa (Kent) Lestrud of Princeton, Sheldon (Kim) Gallmeier of Pine City and Lynette (Jeff) Kuzel of Rock Creek; grandchildren Nikki (Quent) Patzoldt, Jake (Cindy) Sprandel, Mariah (Eric) Skalicky, Savannah, Griffin and Cameron Gallmeier, Emmy Rae Kuzel, Hunter, Kaleigh and Connor Lestrud; great-grandchildren Paisleigh and Bryer Patzoldt; brothers Jack (Janice) Gallmeier and Gary (Colleen) Gallmeier; sister Barb (Jac) Engebretsen; step-children David Alguire (Kerry Larson), Joy (Hash) Hassan and family and Michele (Dean) Kirchberg and family; many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents John “Jack” and Irene Gallmeier; his wife Bernice Gallmeier and his sister Mary Gallmeier. Reverend Laurie O’Shea will officiate at Don’s funeral service: 11:00 AM Thursday, September 8, 2016 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City with music provided by Dianne Kirchberg and Marilyn Schoolmeesters. Honorary casket bearers include Quent Patzoldt, Jake Sprandel, Eric Skalicky, Griffin Gallmeier, Hunter Lestrud and Connor Lestrud. A gathering of family and friends is planned for Wednesday (9/7/16) from 5-8 PM at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City and one hour prior to the service at the church. The interment will take place at the First Lutheran Cemetery in Rush City. Funeral arrangements for Donald Gallmeier of Rock Creek are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com