Donald "Don" E. Galka's Obituary
Decatur – Donald “Don” Galka, 84, of Decatur, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2014, in Texas.
Don, affectionately known as “Chief” was born September 11, 1929 in Decatur, the son of Emil and Delta (Mahoney) Galka. Don was the owner/operator of Galka Custom Cabinets and a member of Ss. James & Patrick Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge, Millikin Quarter Back Club, and Decatur Home Builders Association. Don loved to golf. In fact, he was the Decatur Men’s City Amateur Champion in 1968. He married Barbara Joan Keyes in 1949 and she preceded him in death in 2001. Don then married Ruth Ann Dixson on September 13, 2008.
Surviving are his wife, Ruth Ann of Decatur; children: Toni (fiancé, Dan Conaway) of Decatur, Chris (Marla) Galka of Decatur, Karen (Les) Taylor of Decatur; seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; step-son, Dan (Lori) Rule of Decatur; three step-grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren; brother, Robert “Bob” (Judy) Galka of Decatur; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and son Don, Jr.
Special thanks to the staff at Fresenius Medical Care, and all the doctors, nurses, and staff that have helped to care for Don.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April1, 2014 at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home; vigil prayer service will be at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Don’s life will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at St. James Catholic Church, Rev. David Peters celebrant. Burial will take place in Fairlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Ss. James & Patrick Catholic Church, American Diabetes Association or Homeward Bound.
The Galka family is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur, IL 62526. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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