Gary Galewski

Gary E. Galewski, age 71, of Trempealeau, WI, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020, at his home.

He was born on April 18, 1949, in Galesville, WI, to Eugene and Ruth (Lilla) Galewski, and was a graduate of Arcadia High School.  Following high school, Gary attended the Winona Area Vocational School earning his auto mechanic degree, and was employed with Nystrom Motors, Winona Auto Sales, and Kennard Buick in La Crosse.

In 1972, Gary completed training as a police officer, and was employed as a Sergeant with the Arcadia Police Department, the Chief of Security at Ashley Furniture, and then served for 20 years as the Chief of Police for the Village of Trempealeau until his retirement.  In retirement, he continued to work part-time for the police departments in Independence, Galesville, and Blair.

Gary was united in marriage with JoAnn Fetting on October 9, 1976.

He was a member of the Dodge Sportsman Club, the Galesville Knights of Columbus, and of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pine Creek where he taught CCD for many years.

Gary was an avid hunter who loved being outdoors camping, cutting wood, and tinkering with engines. He especially enjoyed deer hunting, and he looked forward to hunting trips in Wyoming.   He also loved gardening, cooking, canning, and baking bread and pies.

Gary loved spending time in his garage, waving to anyone who passed by – those who stopped always found an open door and a big welcome.  His huge heart, outgoing personality, sense of humor, and his ability to tell a great story will be truly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Gary is lovingly survived by his wife, JoAnn Galewski, Trempealeau; mother, Ruth Galewski, Galesville; children: Kimberly (Edward) Nelson, Buffalo, MN; Brian (Anita) Lilla, Galesville; Bert Lilla, Fountain City; Matt (Christina) Galewski, Winona; and Hannah (Charles Rolbiecki) Hilton, Minnesota City; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers: David (Patricia) Galewski, Independence, WI; Frank (Carol) Galewski, Trempealeau; and Chris (Ginger) Galewski, Galesville; sisters-in-law: Judy (Larry) Gautsch, Galesville, and Jayne Enslin, Milwaukee; brother-in-law: Don Justin, Winona; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Galewski; grandson, Zach Lilla; in-laws: Norbert and Eleanor Fetting; sister-in-law, Janet Justin; and brothers-in-law: Jerry, John, and Jim Fetting; and Tom Enslin.

Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary at 11:30 AM on Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pine Creek.  Following the Rosary, a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12 Noon, with the Reverend Sebastian Kolodziejczyk officiating.  Gary will be laid to rest in the church cemetery.  Those attending will be required to wear a mask and to follow social distancing guidelines.  For those unable to attend, a video stream of the Mass will be posted to Gary's tribute page when it becomes available.

Pallbearers will be Gary’s nephews:  Jason, John, Joe, Chris Jr., and Steven Galewski.  Honorary pallbearers will be Gary’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Gary’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.