Donald Galow

Donald Gilbert Galow died unexpectedly on Friday, September 19, 2014 in Kalamazoo while doing one of the things he loved, working outside in the yard on a beautiful sunny day. A quiet, kind, funny, gentle soul, Don was born on December 17, 1930 to Carl and Evelyn (Larssen) Galow in Bay City, Michigan. He graduated from Bay City Central High, served in the United States Navy during the Korean War, graduated from Valparaiso University and went on to earn a Masters degree in Chemistry at Michigan State University. He worked as a chemist for a short time before returning to school and earned a Masters degree in Library Science at Western Michigan University. He worked the rest of his professional career as a Chemical Research Librarian at Upjohn Pharmaceuticals in Kalamazoo and Reilly Industries in Indianapolis, Indiana. Don helped to raise three boys during that time and never tired of playing tennis with them, coaching their soccer teams, and watching them participate in countless hockey and soccer practices and games, and tennis matches. Some of his favorite things included the annual Galow family 4th of July picnic in Bay City, reading, public and academic libraries, daily walks, classical music, sports, concerts at Miller and Dalton Auditoriums at Western Michigan University, holiday dinners, sour cream cookies, relaxing in the sun porch on a beautiful Summer day, and working outside in the yard. He was a big supporter of public libraries, the Southwest Land Conservancy, the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, and the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Don is survived by his wife Frances (Obenauf) Galow; brother Carl Galow and sisters Lois Bowker and Karen Wozniak; sons James Galow (Lisa Miller), Christopher Galow (Holly), and Jonathan Galow (Lisa); and their grandchildren, Erik Miller-Galow, Evan Miller-Galow, Alyson Galow, Noah Galow, and Margreit Galow. On September 28, Don and Fran's wonderful neighbors gathered together with Fran to celebrate Don's memory by planting a gingko tree in his honor and enjoying food, drink, and conversation. A commital service with military honors will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan on November 7 at 11 am. Memorial gifts may be given to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.