Stephen Joseph Galla

Stephen J. Galla, 90, of Traverse City passed away peacefully at French Manor Terra on July 13, 2022 with family by his side.

Steve was born on January 13, 1932 in Isadore, Michigan to the late Michael and Regina (Brzezinski) Galla. He grew up on the family farm in Leelanau County with his parents and 11 siblings.

On August 6, 1955, Steve married Joyce Elaine Lewis at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and they continued to be dedicated members for nearly 60 years.

Steve was a lifelong resident of Northern Michigan, leaving only briefly to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954. Upon returning to the area, he and Joyce married in 1955, and settled in Traverse City. Steve worked as a machinist and builder, working for Shugart Builders for 40 years where he was considered their "master of the impossible".

Steve was known for his booming voice and outgoing personality and could repair or build anything he put his mind to. He felt fortunate to live in Northern Michigan, especially loved the Leelanau Peninsula, and was commonly heard saying "we live in God's country". In his free time, Steve enjoyed the out-of-doors by hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, berry picking, hobby farming, and enjoying a variety of family activities. He was also a founding member of the Cedar Hilltoppers Snowmobile Club. Steve was tremendously proud of his daughters and grandchildren for their strength of character and accomplishments. He valued a strong work ethic, living by the motto "Anything worth doing, is worth doing right". He will be deeply missed but his legacy will live on.

Steve was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Joyce, and siblings Alvena, Dorothy, Susan, Marie, Paul, Anthony, Walter, John, and Donald.

He is survived by his daughters Janet (Greg) Buckel, Ann (Jeff) Gerow, and Sarah (Dan) Angers; grandchildren Elizabeth (Tyler), Matthew (Jessica), Emily (Eric), Peter (Kailey), and Lauren (Dex); great-grandsons Jack, Carter, Bennett, Cameron, and baby boy Videan due in November; sister Esther, and brother Leon; and many other extended family members and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Catholic Church (due to construction at Immaculate Conception Church) on Monday, July 25, 2022 at 11 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or Hospice of Michigan.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the staff and caregivers of French Manor Terra and Hospice of Michigan for their loving care and support.