Fern "Bill" Galt
| Fern “Bill� Galt, age 81, of Bismarck, ND, died on Saturday, June 11, 2011, at Maple Valley Memory Care, Bismarck. Fern Eugene Galt, known as Bill, was born on August 14, 1929, the son of Fern F. and Marjorie E. (Posey) Galt in Carrington, ND. He grew up in Carrington, ND, and joined the Army Air Corp in 1947. Bill made a career in the Air Force and retired after 27 years from RAF Alconbury, England, as a Chief Master Sergeant. During his distinguished career, he served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Throughout his career, Bill was on three different continents and in twenty-three different countries. Additionally, he spent time as the flight-line Chief in a KC-135 Tanker Squadron, where their mission was air refueling jets. While serving as Non-Commissioned Officer-In-Charge (Squadron Flight Chief), Bill had an opportunity to take a flight on an F-106 known as “Delta Darts� at Minot where they broke twice the speed of sound in only 52 minutes. That was a thrill. While stationed in England, Bill was united in marriage to Christiane Colle at Essex, England on March 7, 1953. Bill served his entire career with distinction and honor. After a 27-year commitment to the military he retired in 1974. In 1974 Bill began working for Butler Machinery in Bismarck as a mechanic and later Service Manager until the late 1980’s. Additionally, Bill worked in sales at Sears for several years. He leaves behind his wife, Chris of Bismarck; four children, Anick (Arnold) Wallace, Rose Hill, KS, Montie (Claudine) Galt, Bismarck, Dominique Wilfong, Choctaw, OK, and Donnie “Sam� Galt, Macom, GA; five grandchildren, Vaughn McElfresh, Wasilla, AK, Michelle Loesch, Mobridge, SD, Natalie Schmidt, Flasher, ND, Andrea “Desiree� Holland, Midwest City, OK, and Derek Galt, Bismarck; five great grandchildren, Leandra and Ayden Schmidt, Brock and Drake Runyan, and the new newest addition Tanner Loesch; two sisters, June (Andy) Johnson, Anchorage, AK and Marlene (Bob) Scott, Carrington, ND, and one brother, Darryl (Carol) Galt, Bismarck; many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Rollin and Montie; and three sisters, Darlene Lorenz, Sharon Galt, and Jewel Linderman. Dad, you will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved you.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Federated Church, UCC/UMC, Carrington, ND DATE AND TIME: Friday, June 17, 2011 at 10:30AM BURIAL: Carrington Cemetery, with Military Honors |
Posted Condolences:
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Name: Jodi (Madsen) Hovell
Date: 6.16.11
Message: Chris and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know I am thinking of you.
Jodi
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Name: Lana Charvat
Message: To the family of Bill
It was an absolute honor and pleasure to know and care for Bill. While I only knew him in the end stage of his precious life I want you all to known how special he was to myself as well as to all of us at Maple View. Bill we be sadly missed and fondly remembered by us all - he truly was a special man as well as a very fortunate man to have such a loving and caring family. My condolences to you all during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Lana Charvat
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Name: Mary Beth Olson Burns
Date: June 15, 2011
Message: I am so saddened to read of Bill's passing. I was briefly his daughter in law and he and Chris were always so good to me. He loved to laugh, have fun and most of all he loved his family! He always made me feel welcome in his home and in his family.
My thoughts and prayers are with Chris and the entire Galt family.
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Name: Jamie Wetsch
Date: 06/15/2011
Message: To The Galt Family,
I would like to express my sympathies for your loss. I worked with Bill for many years in the Hardware dept. at Sears. Bill was one of a kind, and I knew that when I saw his name on the schedule that it would be a fun night.
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Name: Melissa Haider Shaleen
Date: June 15, 2011
Message: I had the pleasure of working with Bill at Sears many years ago. Everyday I would walk by and he would ask me "How are you today young lady?" and it would bring an immediate smile to my face. He was such a pleasant person and I'm happy I had the opportunity to know a man like Bill!
God bless you all during this difficult time.
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Name: Joleen (Madsen) Lewis
Date: 6-15-11
Message: Dear Chris and Family.
I just want to express sympathy from Jim and JoAnne Madsens family.
I remember the friendship you had with mom and dad, and just want to let you know we are thinking of you all.
Joleen, Janis, Jodi, Dan, David, and Doug Madsen.......
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Name: Sherri
Date: 06-15-2011
Message: To the Galt Family:
So sorry to hear of your loss. I worked many years ago out of high school at Sears and remember Bill from there. He was a nice man and friendly and funny. My sympathy to you all. God Bless.
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Name: Eric, Heather & Catherine Simmons
Date: 14 June 2011
Message: Dear Aunt Chris and the rest of the Galt crew-
We were saddened to hear that Uncle Bill has passed. Eric has told me so many stories about visiting with Unlce Bill and Aunt Chris as a child and all of the fun he would have. They always had a house full of people and a lot of excitement and laughter. Our favorite memory of Uncle Bill however, will always be Jeremy's USAFA graduation. It was such a great time with all of the family and having Uncle and Aunt Chris there was very special to all of us. There were several things that happened that weekend but, when they played the National Anthem at the graduation....I looked at Uncle Bill and there he stood with his chest out with pride, hand over his heart and tears running down his cheeks. He was proud of his country and touched by the moment...I will never forget that moment in time. The picture we have of Dad, Jeremy, Uncle Bill and Eric all in their Blues sits on the desk in front of me as a write these words.
Uncle Bill is an American Hero and what he has done for our country we will never forget. The sacrifices his family made while he served his country we admire as well. Unfortunately, Pride in our country and what is stands for has been forgotten by many but Never by Uncle Bill or any of the Galt Family.
I am sure he would never want any of us to forget the Air force core values;
Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do
So, as a closing thought "AIM HIGH" Uncle Bill!
You will never be forgotten.
Love,
Eric, Heather and Catherine Simmons
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Name: Frank Eide
Date: 6/15/11
Message: Sorry we won't be ale to attend the funeral but will be with you in prayer. Bill was a great guy as Darryl still is. May God Bless. Frank and Karen
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Name: Eve Hennessy
Date: 6/15/2011
Message: I worked with Bill as a client for many years at Warren Financial Services. He was a joy to work with - always upbeat and courteous. My sympathies are with his whole family - he will be missed.
Eve Hennessy
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Name: Diane Fettig
Date: 06/15/2011
Message: Montie and Claudine you are in our prayers and thoughts during this diffifult time.
Diane Fettig
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Name: Jock and Beryl Wishart
Date: 14th June 2011
Message: Chris and family,
Our condolences. Bill will stay in my heart forever he was a good friend and a great family man. He was liked and respected by all his comrads in the RAF.
My heart goes out to all the Galt family, Chris my dear friend our thoughts are with you and the the family.
Love
Jock and Beryl
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Name: DAN FISHER
Date: 06-14-2011
Message: Always a sad time when someone we know passes away, but Bill would not have wanted to continue to live in the state that his disease left him. I have good memories of him, especially during the years he was part owner of the Covered Wagon bar. He was always friendly and generous to me and that is the way I will remember him. He lived a long and full life, which is all that any of us can ask for.
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Name: Gary
Date: 13 Jun 11
Message: Our prayers are with all of you. Uncle Bill was always a wonderful person to me as I grew up and such a great brother for my mom (Darlene). His service to our country inspired me to enlist in the US Air Force and opened my eyes to a fantastic opportunity in life. Bill you will be in my heart forever, I know you are finally at peace and enjoying time with your brothers and sisters now...but we will miss you down here!
Love Gary, Rachel and Family
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Name: Quinette
Date: 13 juin 2011
Message:
To our friend Bill Galt, the story of our friendship
It was back in 1958 when Christiane, my childhood friend, introduced us to her husband Fern Galt (Bill). They had met in England.
Bill was the type of man you liked immediately, the language barrier was not a problem. Very quickly, we managed to communicate with each other, with a mixture of French and English that we were the only ones to speak.
His children were born, at the same time as our own.
Bill was very generous with the children whenever he met them. He gave them presents, he always had sweets, balloons in his pockets.
Bill and Christiane helped us considerably during the first years of our marriage. They enabled us to buy household appliances under the best possible conditions.
Monique and I, we remember, Bill was so happy to make you pleased, to do things for you.
Bill loved life, he loved to have fun. We keep a souvenir of a few memorable outings with friends. Bill was accepted and appreciated by everyone.
Bill adored his children, he wanted them to succeed, but since he was often away on missions it was Christiane who had to take over when he was gone.
Bill was American, but his country was North Dakota. When he spoke of Carrington farm, of his parents, his father with the cows, it was always a certain amount of nostalgia.
Bill loved his family, his father, mother, brothers and sisters. He liked telling us about Jewel, Darryl, Marlyne and Sharon.
It was very important for him.
We hope that these few words will convey the friendship and respect that Monique and I have always had for our great friend Bill.
It is distressing for you all, and for us, to have to accept that disease overcame a man of high moral values.
He has been laid to rest in his native land near his family.
Monique and I would like this message to be sent to the whole Galt family.