Edward Anthony Gallik, 81, of Great Falls, died of natural causes Friday, March 6, 2009, at Peace Hospice.
His memorial service with military honors will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation on Saturday, March 14, 2009, at 2 p. m. Committal will be in the church’s columbarium. Edward Anthony Gallik was born November 8, 1927, in Belt, Mont., to Andrew and Anna Gallik. He started school in Great Falls, later moving with his family to Centerville, Mont., where he finished his schooling. At a young age, he started work for the Great Northern Railroad. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps serving four years. He was stationed in China and in Hawaii. He was a starting tackle on the championship Marine football team. He married Dorothy Gibbons on June 24, 1950, in Great Falls, Mont. Upon discharge from the Marine Corps, he continued his career with the Great Northern Railroad. When the Great Northern Railroad merged with the Burlington Northern, Ed was transferred to Havre and subsequently to Laurel. Upon his retirement in 1980, he returned to live in Great Falls, which was “home.” Ed thoroughly enjoyed the great outdoors. He purchased land and built a cabin in the Lincoln area. He loved the time he spent at the cabin with friends and family. What exciting hunting stories he told to the enjoyment of all. Ed is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of Great Falls; children, Diane Groshoff of Spokane, Wash., David (Gail) Gallik of Helena and Gayle (Darrell) Archey of Great Falls. Ed is also survived by grandson, J.P. (Allison) Dowling, granddaughter, Michelle Dowling, and his great-grandson, Brady Edward Dowling, all of Spokane. Also surviving are two brothers, Ray (Lorraine) Gallik of Anaconda and Ken (Bev) Gallik of Bozeman, as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceding Ed in death were his parents and three sisters, Helen Lester of Port Angeles, Wash., Margaret Graham of Everett, Wash., and Katherine Cummings of Great Falls, and one brother, Albert. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given to FISH, a Great Falls Christian food-share program, at 1620 12th Avenue N., Great Falls, MT 59401. Condolences for the family may be left at www.schniderfuneralhome. com.
