Julie M. Galien, age 62, a St. Nazianz resident, passed away Friday, April 25, 2025, at Aurora Medical Center, Two Rivers.
Born on January 3, 1963, in Manitowoc, she was the cherished daughter of the late Elmer and Adela (Geiser) Meier. Julie attended St. Mary Catholic School in Clarks Mills and graduated from Valders High School with the class of 1981. She went on to earn her degree in data processing from Lakeshore Technical Institute. On December 29, 1984, Julie married the love of her life, Rich Galien, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Clarks Mills. They built a beautiful life together centered around faith, family, and community. Julie dedicated 39 years to her career at Kohler Company, retiring in May 2024.
Julie was vibrant, active, and always found joy in staying involved, whether it was coaching volleyball, softball, and baseball or volunteering tirelessly at her church, St. Gregory Catholic Church. A devout Catholic, Julie lived her faith through service, kindness, and generosity, serving on numerous boards and donating blood regularly.
Above all, Julie’s greatest pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. Nothing made her happier than cheering them on at every game, recital, and event, whether near or far. She never missed an opportunity to be their biggest supporter from the stands, beaming with pride and telling anyone who would listen how incredibly proud she was of them. Taking Hudson, Olive, Aislinn, and Everett on countless adventures brought her endless happiness and fulfillment. Her family was her heart, and the memories they shared together were treasures she held dear.
Julie cherished time with her extended family as well. She had a special bond with her sisters and brother, sharing not just laughter but a love for puzzles. They often exchanged puzzles with each other and never missed their weekly sister phone call—a beloved tradition filled with stories, updates, and endless love.
Family time was everything to Julie, especially summers at the family cottage on Long Lake. Whether she was water skiing, swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water, those moments created lasting memories that she held close to her heart. She also enjoyed playing golf, especially with her closest friends and family, where Julie’s fun-loving spirit often turned delightfully competitive. In her retirement, Julie eagerly picked up pickleball as a new hobby, quickly embracing the game with the same energy and excitement she brought to everything she did.
Julie’s energy, devotion, and warmth left an unforgettable impression on everyone blessed to know her. Her legacy will live on in the love and strength of her family.
She is survived by her husband, Rich Galien; her daughter and son-in-law, Dana (Craig) Griepentrog, and their children, Hudson and Olive; her son and daughter-in-law, Marcus (Shawnae) Galien, and their children, Aislinn, and Everett; her seven siblings: Jan (Lee) Batchelder, Darlene (Dennis) Weisensel, Carol (Greg) Brazzale, Marge (Bill) Engelbrecht, Donna (Dennis) Bohm, Roy Meier (special friend Patti), and Mary (Greg) Stern; her mother-in-law, Pat Galien; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Cheryl (Dale) Wagner and Craig (Janet) Galien. Many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Adela Meier; her father-in-law, Richard Galien; and her sister-in-law, Sharon Meier.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, at St. Gregory Catholic Church, 212 Church Street, St. Nazianz. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Josuva Arulanandu and Deacon Gary Wilhelm. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:30 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025 at St. Gregory Catholic Church, St. Nazianz.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Julie’s name.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the Galien family with funeral arrangements. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Max Wagner with Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home for his exceptional care, compassion, and guidance during this difficult time. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
