Elesban Gallegos

The life of Elesban (Rick) Gallegos Resendiz is one that is to be marveled at and admired. His passions were his family, his respect for the fruits of hard work, and for connecting people. If one could put together an album of the people that he met and befriended throughout his life, it would be a collection that would most likely not surprise anyone that knew and loved him, but would certainly offer, nonetheless, a few surprises. His intuitive way of meeting people where they were, recognizing how he could help them, and leading those people on a journey that would leave them better for it is a quality that we could all learn from.

Elesban’s journey as an immigrant from Mexico is exemplary of the American dream. Ever-proud to be a son from his beloved Mexico, he did respond to the lure of the United States, making it his home beginning in the late 1960’s. He rightfully believed that the tireless work ethic that he learned from his life in Mexico, combined with the opportunity that existed in the US, could provide him the life that he dreamed. He could not have known at the beginning of this journey just how hard he would work, just how deep he would have to drill within himself to find the strength to work bone-crushingly hard day after day. But he was rarely afraid, and he was always determined. Through this dedication to succeed, Elesban founded GM & Sons, Inc. His company has now been in business for over 25 years and has been the foundation for success and stability for many family members and those who are now beloved friends.

Beyond the success of his business and above the respect that he earned from others, nothing was more important to him than his family. Family was everything. One of his favorite quotes was “I came this far so that you could go further.” His love for his family, particularly for his wife Maria, his children Angelica, Ricky, Hugo, and Marisol, and his grandchildren, Isabella and Ricardo, was evident every single day. While he did expect his family to gather for all birthdays and holidays, it was a testament of their love for him that his family made these moments a priority. From a simple meal at home to family excursions, his family always knew that there was a story, a laugh, a kiss to be had from him every time. His love was a treasure.

His laugh was infectious and recognizable, and his sense of humor unparalleled. He loved the banter of the workplace and he adored the back-and-forth of family conversations. Watching him among his brothers and sister, his countless cousins, and endless supply of nieces, nephews, and godchildren, one could see the joy and love in his heart for all of them. His joy was bringing people together and binding them together with love.

Husband. Father. Leader. Teacher. Visionary. Friend. Elesban held these titles and so many more. His life is one to be admired and emulated. His is a story that will go on in the hearts of his family and friends. Thank you for everything and we intend to live out the lessons that his grand life gave us so generously.

Elesban is preceded in death by his parents, Maria de Jesus Resendiz & Primo Gallegos, and his brothers Francisco Gallegos, Abel Gallegos, & Javier Gallegos, and his sister, Evangelina Gallegos. He is survived by his wife Maria Rafaela Gallegos, his children Angelica Rene Gallegos, Ricky Lee Gallegos, Hugo Alex Gallegos, and Marisol Gallegos, his grandchildren Isabella Aria Gallegos-Thompson and Ricardo Rivas Gallegos, and his brothers Jeronimo Gallegos, Emilio Gallegos, and Etelberto Gallegos.

Visitation will be from 6-8 on Thursday, June 29 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes 900 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing Michigan with a Rosary to take place at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 30 at Cristo Rey Church 201 W. Miller Rd. Lansing, MI 48911 with visitation one hour prior.

For those desiring, contributions may be made in memory of Elesban to the Church.