Charles J. Galetka Sr.

Charles Galetka Sr., age 91, of Neillsville, WI passed away Friday, August 12, 2022, at Three Oaks Health Services, where he had been residing. 

Charles John Galetka was born on November 14, 1930, in Glen Flora, Rusk County, Wisconsin the son of Louis and Agnes (Babiar) Galetka Sr. He left home at an early age and worked at various jobs such as setting pins at the bowling alley, picking potatoes, and working for farmers in the area. Eventually he moved to Southern Wisconsin and was working for a farmer when luck would have it, he stopped at a restaurant for a bite to eat and met his future wife, Lois Fleischmann. Charles married Lois in Waterford, WI on April 29, 1950, had 72 years of marriage and was blessed with seven children.

Charlie and his wife moved to Antioch, IL, and they both worked at Regal China making lamp bases. Moving back to Wisconsin he worked at Allis Chalmers putting axels on the tractors, and then later he worked at Wisconsin Motors on a drill press. Wanting to be his own boss, he went back to Glen Flora and began farming. In March of 1960, he moved his family to Neillsville, where he farmed and cut pulp for the paper factories.

After selling the farm to their son Joe, Charles and Lois sold Christmas trees in Colorado each winter which gave them an opportunity to visit their son, Chuck who lived there. In the summer they set up at flea markets selling many wooden crafts that Charles enjoyed making in his wood shop. Upon retiring, they wintered in Florida, and then later spent their winters in Apache Junction, AZ.

Charles enjoyed deer hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed country western music, bingo, attending flea markets, and watching shows about animals and nature. His favorite places to travel were Nashville and Branson. One of the highlights of his life was meeting Grandpa Jones and having his picture taken with him.

He is survived by his wife, Lois, five children, Nancy (Brian) Schell of Madison, WI, Charles (Victoria) Galetka Jr. of Colorado Springs, CO, Joseph Sr. Galetka of Neillsville, WI, Margie Harper of Spencer, WI and Richard Galetka of Neillsville, WI, a son-in-law, Steven Daniels, 16 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, a brother, Paul (Janet) Galetka of King, WI.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, Terry Ann Galetka and Susan Daniels, a son-in-law, James Harper, four grandsons, Jeffrey Alan Galetka, Frederick Maurice Daniels, and twins, Charles Galetka III and Keith Galetka, two brothers, Steve and Louie Galetka Jr, and four sisters, Helen Hartman, Anna McGinnis, Emily Roth, and Mary Bennett.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Charles will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 20, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Neillsville. The celebrant will be Rev. Greg Michaud. Music will be provided by Rebekah Lehn, organist and St. Mary’s Choir. Interment will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday at the Gesche Funeral Home and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Saturday at St. Mary Catholic Church.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. 

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Charlie’s family with Funeral arrangements.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.