William J. Galle

William J." Bill" Galle 

William Jacob Galle age 97, resident of Park Forest for 64 years, passed away peacefully at home in Indiana 05/26/2019, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of the late Geraldine M nee Sey-Burgauer.  Loving father of Patricia Bingham, William K (Linda), Deborah (Scott) Russell, Robert (Cherie), Alan (Susan), and the late Carol (William) Toth.  Brothers Kurt R, of Seattle, WA and Edward L, of St Paul, MN.  Grandchildren: Sandra (David) Laffan, Susan (John) Thorpe, Robert (Eva) Toth, Karen (Esteban Cabral) Toth, Diane (Bryan) Rymek, Matthew Russell, Cara (Scott Hunt) Russell, Tristan (Rebecca) Russell, Randall Russell, Christopher (Kathryn) Galle, Michelle, (Derek) Stokely, Jennifer (Jonathan Oliver) Galle, Melissa (Jacob) Stellwagen, Steven Galle. Great-grandchildren: Delaney and Colin Laffan, Justin and Madeline Thorpe, Jessica and Amanda Toth, Samuel and Olivia Cabral, Anthony and Allison Rymek, Tanner, Espen and Levi Russell, Emery Hunt,  Anderson Galle.  One great-great-grandson Mason Toth.

Bill was born in Dodge City KS, September 29, 1921. BS Chemical Engineering, Kansas State University, MS Mathematical Statistics, Purdue University. He was also a Registered Professional Engineer. Served in WWII as Lt JG onboard the Navy vessel USS Ajax repairing naval ships in the waters of the South Pacific and the Philippines. Lifetime member of the VFW Post 311, Benjamin O Davis.   He was a Founding member of the Park Forest Symphony Orchestra, along with his wife of 57 years.  His Hobby was music, playing the trumpet in a swing band in the late 30’s and early 40’s, and he was an avid Bridge player. Bill enjoyed volunteering in many local organizations including Assistant District Commissioner of The Boy Scouts of America Calumet Counsel, Park Forest Senior Commissioner for 5 years, including Community Nutrition Network and Senior Center. He was President of Toastmasters International Club Park Forest (1973) and a long time member. He also consulted with American Society of Quality Control and was on the Board of the local AARP.  Bill’s work in a variety of industries and quality control expertise took him to Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, South America, Canada and across the USA.

On June 21, 2019 the family will welcome visitors at  9:30 a.m. with his Celebration of Life to begin at 10 a.m. at Lain-Sullivan Funeral Home 50 Westwood Drive,Park Forest, IL 60466 Please join with us in this celebration to share a fond memory or story about Bill. 

In Lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, or Wounded Warrior Project would be appreciated 

Family and friends are to meet 12:45 p.m. at  Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL for a Committal Service that will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m.