JOHN GALLOWAY

Today would not have been a good day for John. Whenever questioned “how was the newspaper today” he would respond “great, my name was not listed in the obits”. So on this day disappointment abounds for John and all those who loved him.

John passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on Saturday, October 22, 2016 during the fourth quarter of the Badger football game surrounded by family. We have lost another one of the “greatest generation”. John was the consummate family man as a son, brother, husband and father. He was counted on as a strong partner and mentor to many in a generational family business. He was a man of passion, compassion, generosity, love and his own special brand of humor with an infectious laugh.

John was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on September 15, 1922 to Edwin and Genevieve Galloway. He was the middle of five children. He now joins his parents, older sister Mary (Dave) James, brothers Ned (Carol) and Dick (Pat), father and mother-in-law Evan and Hattie Peck, sister-in-law Nancy Hansen, brothers-in-law Gus (Edna) Peck and Norm Erickson, and son-in-law Glen Bostedt in the afterlife. He is survived by Peg, his wife of 68 years, his children and grandchildren, his “little sister” Jean Erickson, and many nieces and nephews.

In his youth, John was active and adventurous learning skills that fed his lifelong passions for sailing, hockey, golf, hunting, fishing, tennis and football (including time on the gridiron as part of the UW-Madison football team). John left the UW-Madison to enlist in the US Army to serve our country in WWII. He served in the European theater as a heavy equipment operator in the 541st Infantry Division. After WWII he returned to UW-Madison where he graduated with a degree in Agriculture.

While attending UW-Madison, John (Beta Theda Pi) fell in love with Peggy Peck (Alpha Phi) who ironically grew up four blocks away in Fond du Lac. John and Peg were married on February 7, 1947. Together they raised six children, Karrie of Salt Lake City, Scott (Mary O) of Seattle, Tim (Siv) of Neenah, Ted of Neenah, Meg of Madison, and Pat (Amy) of Neenah. They were also blessed with 11 grandchildren, Aaron (Kristine) and Celia Pietsch; Ethan, Cameron, Sofia, Erik, Annika, Andrea and Sam Galloway; and Schuyler and Colin Bostedt.

John and Peg moved to Neenah to join his father and two brothers working at Neenah Milk Products which would eventually become Galloway Company. John spent his entire career at Galloway Company primarily in sales. During his years in the business he was involved in numerous professional and trade organizations related to the diary and ice cream industry. He retired in 1989 as President and Chairman of the Board. Three of his sons and two nephews continue the family business tradition.

John loved his community and helping people. He was active and held many leadership roles in the Noon Optimist Club, Neenah/Menasha Chamber of Commerce, Neenah/Menasha Community Chest, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Neenah Nodaway Yacht Club and Neenah Youth Hockey. He served on the Board of Directors of Galloway Company and the Marine Bank along with a 12 year term on the Board of Visitors of UW-Madison.

One of John's passions was to assure that children in the community had affordable access to his favorite activities. He was instrumental in starting the Optimist Pram Sailing program, The Fox Valley Sailing School, Neenah Youth Hockey and a swimming program for physically and mentally disabled children.

In their retirement years John and Peg travelled frequently. They also enjoyed golf at North Shore Golf Club, playing tennis, watching grandchildren's activities and spending time with friends. They also remained active with John's fellow WWII veterans from the 451st and their families organizing reunions and fighting the war over and over again.

John's greatest honors came in 2003 when he received the Wisconsin Dairy Products Association Presidents Award, in 2010 when he was inducted into the Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame in Eagle River and when he directed the UW Marching band during the 5th Quarter.

The family would like to thank the staff at the VNA who took such good care of John over the past year and a half and to Theda Care Hospice who also provided support for John and the family during his final two weeks. Special thanks to Nicole, Morgan, Danae and Amanda.

A mass in celebration of John's life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at St. Margaret Mary Church, 600 Division St., Neenah, with Rev. Michael Ingold officiating. The visitation will held at the church from 9:00am until the time of the service.  Full military honors will follow with the Neenah Menasha Veterans Honor Guard and the US Army.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations may be made in memory of John to the Fox Valley Sailing School, St. Margaret Mary Church, or a charity of your choice.