Michael J. Galkin

Michael J. Galkin, 72, of Merrill, formerly of the Gleason area, passed away Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill.

Mike was born March 7, 1951, in Merrill, son of the late Arthur ‘Archie’ and Audrey (Henrich) Galkin. He was born during a snowstorm that was so bad that his mom rode to the hospital in the county snowplow. Mike was born with a fondness for snow removal.

Mike graduated from Merrill High School with the class of 1969. During high school, he participated in Cross Country and earned his varsity letter. Due to farm chores, he was unable to train with the team in Merrill after school. Mike convinced the coach to let him train by running home, from Merrill to Gleason. He always made it home in time for chores.

Mike worked as a mason tender at the age of 16, speaking highly throughout his life of his mentor Al Genrich. Mike graduated from Wausau Tech having studied Architectural Drawing and Drafting. He bought the masonry business after graduating from Wausau Tech, naming it Galkin Construction. Masonry was his first love and favorite part of construction. He owned and operated Galkin Construction LLC for many years and was immensely proud to have built more than three hundred homes in towns north of Merrill.

Mike was a descendant of Gleason as his great-great-grandfather was Salem Gleason. He was very proud of his Latvian heritage and eventually became a caretaker of the Latvian Cemetery in the Town of Schley, Lincoln County.

Mike was a member of the Town of Russell Fire Department. At his retirement, he served as the captain. Mike was a lifelong member of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Gleason, where he served on the Board of Elders.

He enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers. He was a season ticket holder of the Wisconsin Badgers and attended many football games with his best friend, Denis DeBroux. Mike also enjoyed golfing, downhill skiing, and deer hunting. He loved Arizona and traveling to visit family, especially his Aunt Irene and Uncle Dick.

Mike loved to dance and enjoyed listening to country music. His favorite holiday was Christmas. He enjoyed various snacks including pretzel sticks, red licorice, jolly ranchers, mints, popcorn, and vanilla ice cream. He also enjoyed adding horseradish to many of his favorite foods.

His family was especially important to him. Mike was a kind man who was very sentimental. He had an outstanding work ethic and would bend over backwards for anyone.

Survivors include his sweetheart, Mary Cooper of Gleason; children, Michele (Clark) Ambrose of New Zealand, Leah (Richard) Pellicane of Wausau, Dale (Kay) Schroeder of Hong Kong, Andrea (Nathan) Roggenbuck of Gleason, and Ryan (Katy) Galkin of Colorado; grandchildren, Clara, Lucy, Marcus, River, and Forest; sister, Bonnie Galkin of Merrill; brother-in-law, Brian Latzig of Gleason; Mary’s daughters, Jamie (Josh) Wojan and their children, Robbie and Theo and Cheri Cooper (Lee Hardenbrook); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur ‘Archie’ and Audrey Galkin; and sisters, Diana Latzig and Patricia ‘Patty’ Wiedenhoft.

The funeral service for Mike will begin at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Gleason. The Rev. Greg Laska will officiate. The burial will take place in the Latvian Cemetery, Town of Schley, Lincoln County. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com