Robert Galer, 63, of Pendleton, Indiana, formerly of Mecosta/Big Rapids, passed peacefully at home on Sunday, October 10, 2021.

 

He was born May 4, 1958, in Stanwood, MI, the son of Virgil and Donna (Bushre) Galer and grew up in Mecosta, and graduated from Chippewa Hills High School in 1976. In 1978 he married Barbara McGorman, and they resided in the Big Rapids area before moving to Indiana.

 

Robert was a valued employee with S. Abraham and Sons for 35+ years. He was a volunteer firefighter and former chief for the Mecosta Township Fire Department and also volunteered on the Sherriff posse for several years. Robert was active with his church community and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  He had a contagious personality and laughter to fill a room or bring a smile to your face.

 

Robert’s ultimate goal was to retire with wife in hand living out the rest of their days enjoying fishing, camping and spending time on the pontoon.

 

He is survived by his wife Barbara; their daughters, Ruby Beeny (Dave), Rebecca Groover (Don), Bobbie Leisure (Dave); 11 grandchildren, Cheyenne and Madison Beeny, William, Christian, Anthony, Joshua, and Katelyn Chrivia, Donovan and Isabella Groover, and Kayla and Kimber Leisure; one great grandson Oliver Chrivia; his father Virgil Galer; his sister Pamela Graham (Scott); mother-in-law Hilda Spedowski; brothers-in-law, Mike McGorman and Steve Maguire; sisters-in-law, Dora Smith, Patsy Bourke, and Karen Vansyckle; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was proceeded in death by his mother Donna Galer and brother-in-law Glen McGorman.

 

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Paris Manuel officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Mecosta. Robert’s family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m., Friday, October 15, 2021, at the funeral home, and beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday. Family is requesting no flowers due to an allergic reaction. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.