Obituary of Gerald D. Galbrecht

Gerald DeLee Galbrecht passed away on April 24, 2019 at his home.

Gerald was born to Edna Galbrecht on October 23, 1951 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.  He grew up on a farm in Height of Land Township near Frazee, Minnesota with his mother and uncle Cecil Galbrecht.  Gerald attended country school until 5^th grade when the school closed and the students were moved to the school in Frazee.  He graduated in 1969.  He attended vocational school in Detroit Lakes and completed the mechanics program.  He began working in Moorhead after graduation.  Gerald met Bonnie Tietz and they were married in August of 1971.  Their son, Brian, passed away on November 17, 1972 and Bonnie passed away on December 6, 1972.  Gerald married LaVaye Johnson on June 22, 1974.  To this union, two children were born – their daughter, Geri Lynn in 1979 and their son, Lee Grant in 1983. 

Gerald has had many nicknames over the years, including Big Guy, Tiny, Torque, Doozey and many more!  He worked in the mechanical field as a mechanic, service writer, service manager and he owned two tool distributorships.  After that, he owned multiple Domino’s Pizza stores.  Gerald made the decision to retire in 2012 when he was diagnosed with cancer.  During his retirement, he enjoyed driving cars for North Branch Chevrolet.   Throughout the years, he enjoyed fishing and hunting with his children and friends.  He always wanted to be going somewhere or doing something.  He often thought of others and always wanted to help if he could, which led him to helping with the Lutefisk Supper and serving as a board member at Breakers of Sunset Bay Association at Mille Lacs Lake.  He often said “if I could win the lottery, I would build a place in Cambridge for people who don’t have a place to live and have to move from church to church each week”. 

Gerald’s faith in God, family and friends were of utmost importance to him. 

Gerald is survived by his wife LaVaye, daughter Geri and son Lee and many wonderful friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his mother, first wife Bonnie, son Brian, his grandparents, aunts and uncles.

The family would like to extend gratitude to everyone who has called, sent cards, brought food and visited, especially during these last three weeks.  They would also like to thank the St. Croix Hospice for their excellent support and a special thank you to Dr. Gesme from Minnesota Oncology for his care and commitment to Gerald during the last seven years. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, April 29, 2019 at Cambridge Lutheran Church, 621 Old Main Street, Cambridge, MN at 11:00 am.  Visitation will be on Sunday, April 28, 2019 from 4 to 7 pm at Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home, 311 South Ashland Street, Cambridge, MN and on Monday, April 29, 2019 one hour prior to the service at the church.   Interment will be at The Oak Grove Cemetery in Lake Park, MN at a later date.