George John Gallas

Age 87, passed away on August 18, 2023 in Jackson, Michigan. George was born to John and Pauline Gallas in South Bend, Indiana. He was supposed to be named Gregory but being born on George Washington’s Birthday his name was changed to George. He definitely lived up to the name. He was courageous, honest and strong. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He had a quiet strength and could be intimidating but all who knew him knew how much he loved his family, especially his dogs. George was the third child of four and the only boy. He is survived by his three sisters, Sister Cathleen Gallas OSB, of Alabama, Theresa McGinnis of Massachusetts and Jan Kuehn of Nebraska. He met Carole, his wife of 65 years, on a blind date shortly before Valentines Day. After the two were married, He joined the US Navy and served four years as a dispersing clerk on the USS Sperry which was a Submarine Tender. After his military time, he then found his true calling and joined the Santa Barbara Sheriffs Dept. where he worked for four and a half years. He and his family moved to Ann Arbor and he joined the Ann Arbor Police Dept. where he became a Detective after a short period of time. He served 25 and a half years, mainly in the checks and fraud dept. (white collar). His attention to detail made him an exceptional detective and a hindrance to his children who tried to get away with anything. He treated everyone with respect and dignity and made many friends in the community. He and Carole raised their four children outside of Chelsea where he spent his afterhours tending to his large gardens. After retirement he and his wife moved to Jackson where he worked part time at Burdens and Patience Funeral homes for 18 years. He served as President of the USS Sperry association for 7 years. He and his wife were long time parishioners at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish Church where he was a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and committed to the Divine Mercy Chapel. George was also an Honorary Member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved action movies, puzzles, Bridge, Yahtzee, word searches, bowling and walking his dogs. His favorite foods were meatloaf, ice cream and cherry pie. George is survived by his wife, Carole; son, Joseph Gallas of Gladwin, Michigan; daughter, Maria Gallas of Kalamazoo, Michigan; daughter, Gloria Koernke (Matt) of Richland, Michigan; daughter-in-law, Catheen Gallas of Minnesota; grandchildren, Kyle, Brooke, Parker and Brennen; great-grandson, Rhys. He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Christopher Gallas and granddaughter, Melissa. The family would like to thank all the staff at Summit Park Assisted Living and Gentiva Hospice Care, especially Cindy and Carla. George was shown kindness, compassion and respect by all who cared for him. Summit Park was especially gracious with George’s dog who became a big hit with staff and residents. Visitation will be held at Burden & Patience-Montgomery Funeral Home (1806 E. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49202) on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 4:30 to 7:00 PM, followed by a Catholic Rosary service led by Fr. Tim MacDonald. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church (606 S. Wisner St., Jackson, MI 49203) on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 11:00 AM with visitation starting at 10:00 AM. George will be laid to rest with military honors on Monday, August 28, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan. The families suggests that those who wish to make a memorial contribution in George's memory donate to TJ's Rescue Angels (7400 Wilcox Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827).