David Chester Vander Galien

David Chester Vander Galien, age 62, passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2008 at his Waupun residence.

David was born on June 2, 1945 in Waupun, a son of Chester and Gladys (Semrad) Vander Galien. After eleven years of education, David served his country as a member of the United States Army. He later joined the National Guard and remained active for twenty-eight years. David was a member of the Getchel-Nelson American Legion Post 210. After spending some time in Florida where he raced speed boats, David became involved with the Rodeo Circuit as a bull rider. He moved back to Waupun where he was employed as a cheesemaker at Purity Cheese in Mayville, and later at Park Cheese. He also was employed for thirteen years in the packaging division at Oscar Meyer Company. On August 28, 1993, David was united in marriage to Gwen Schaumberg in the Fond du Lac County Park in Waupun. David continued with his love for the rodeo throughout the years, performing with the World’s Toughest Rodeo for thirteen years and with Little Britches Rodeo for ten years. He participated in a variety of activities from riding bulls, to handling stock and being the highlight of the show as a Rodeo Clown. David enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Woodworking was a favorite pastime, and he created many special gifts from barn board. He also loved to camp and go fishing. David was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Waupun.

David is survived by his wife Gwen; two daughters, Kim Vander Galien; Dawn Vander Galien and her fiancé Trevor Smith; two grandchildren, Tyler and Makiya Vander Galien; a special sister-in-law, Jodi (Owen) Kreuziger and her daughter Laura Schaefer; his former wife Barbara (Mark) Ruenger; his mother-in-law, Evelyn Bogart, all of Waupun; two sisters, Janine (Harold) Nummerdor, Waupun; and Mary Desjarlais of Beaver Dam; his brother James, of Tampa, Florida; sisters and brothers-in-law; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

David was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Betty Murray; and a brother-in-law, Terry Desjarlais.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 20, 2008, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 525 West Main Street, Waupun, with the Rev. Rolf Amundsen officiating. Interment will be in the Rogersville Cemetery. Full military honors will be provided by Getchel-Nelson American Legion Post 210.

Friends may call on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Kohls Community Funeral Home, 405 West Main Street, Waupun; and on Wednesday at the Church from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service.

A memorial fund has been established for Heartland Hospice, 63 South Pioneer Road, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935; and for the Immanuel Lutheran Church.

“Special thanks to Patti, Kim, Renee, Chaplain Bob and the restof the staff at Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care.”