Jan Galba, 87, of Germantown Hills, passed away at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, September 7, 2010, at his home.
He was born in Kiripolec, Slovakia on June 24, 1923, a son of Stefan and Anna (Krsek-ova) Galba. They preceded him in death, along with one brother and one sister.
Jan is survived by his wife, Jutta (Novotny) Galba; niece, Eva (George) Swiatek of Toronto; great nieces, Michelle and Claudia of Toronto; and sister-in-law, Elisabeth Novotny of Peoria.
In 1950, after he earned his law degree from the University of Bratislava. He then immigrated to Vienna, Austria, where he met his wife, and was employed with the U.S. Military Intelligence Service.
In 1956, Jan and Jutta came to the United States. They were married in Peoria on October 3, 1956 and made their home in the Peoria area.
He was employed with Block & Kuhl, Carson Pirie Scott and Bergner’s, as their shipping and receiving manager. He retired in 1988, after twenty-eight years of service.
Jan was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and attended St. Philomena Parish, both in Peoria.
He loved children, his family, his church, his friends and spending time at home. He most enjoyed bringing everyone together at a Barbecue. He also was a passionate hunter and enjoyed fishing in Door County.
A memorial Liturgy will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 12, 2010, at Clary Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue, in Peoria, with Fr. Donald R. Henderson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jan’s memory to We Care, Inc. Transportation in Morton, Hospice Compassus in Peoria or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
I remember our first time meeting the warm greeting that I received but what I will always remember is both of your smiles how genuine and loving they always were.
