Duane (Dewey) Joseph Galligan, 92
Duane (Dewey) Joseph Galligan, age 92 of New Hampton, died Thursday, June 6, 2019, at New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 14, 2019, at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton with the Rev. Brian Dellaert celebrating the Mass.
Interment will be held in Calvary Cemetery, New Hampton with Jason Winter, Jamie Galligan, Shane Galligan, Tyler Boos, Trent Condon, Jacob Boos, Kirk Sweitzer, Dylan Boos, Colten Galligan, Dakota Sweitzer, Anthony Sweitzer, and Tristan Sweitzer serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Jennifer Worrell, Sarah Vice, Jackie McGeough, Missy Hartung, Katie Kral, Jewel Condon, Sydney Galligan, and Amanda Uhelhake.
Friends may greet the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 13, 2019, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton. Further visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass Friday at the church.
Online condolences for Duane’s family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com.
Duane Joseph Galligan was born June 9, 1926, in Lawler, the son of Joseph and Florence (Underwood) Galligan.
He attended school in Lawler and graduated from high school in 1943.
Dewey was drafted in the United States Army and served our country as a staff sergeant during World War II.
After returning from the war, Dewey was reunited with Celine Burgart. The couple was married on June 25, 1947, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Hampton. To this union, nine children were born.
The couple began farming north of New Hampton, where they spent several years.
Dewey then took a position with the ASC office in New Hampton and spent over 20 years there. Later he worked for Farmers COOP in New Hampton and worked in the sales department until his retirement.
Upon retiring, Dewey kept occupied with a variety of part-time jobs that he enjoyed.
After 52 wonderful years of marriage, Celine passed away on Nov. 13, 1999. Several years later, he married Mille Vrzak in 2008.
Dewey had a passion for collecting coins, playing horseshoes and cards. He enjoyed golfing with his family, messing around in his yard, and tinkering with things.
He liked woodworking, especially for Galligan Home Spun Crafts. Dewey liked to take an occasional trip to the casino, and always seemed to win. Dewey loved to attend all of his grandchildren’s sporting events.
He was an active member with Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and enjoyed ushering at St. Joes.
He loved spending time with his family and friends, and always had positive and happy energy that would rub off on others around him.
Duane is survived by his wife, Millie Galligan of Cresco; eight children, Colleen Leichtman of New Hampton, Tom (Sandie) Galligan of Panama City Beach, Florida, Denny Galligan of Reinbeck, Mary (John) Winter of McGregor, Bob (Kymm) Galligan of New Hampton, Shellie (Steve) Boos of New Hampton, Dick (Sharon Moeller) Galligan of Cedar Rapids, and Lona (Chad) Sweitzer of New Hampton; 19 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; brother, Jim (Doris) Galligan of New Hampton; two brothers-in-law, Cliff (Marian) Burgart of New Hampton, and Reynold (Carol) Burgart of New Hampton; sister-in-law, Janet Galligan of New Hampton; many nieces and nephews; and Millie’s family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Celine; son, Joey Galligan; brother, Chuck Galligan; and son-in-law, Rich Leichtman.
