Henry "Hank" Gallmeyer

Henry “Hank” Gallmeyer , 75, passed away on February 2, 2018, at Adams Memorial Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer. Hank leaves behind many personal and professional accomplishments, life-long, dedicated friends, and a loving family, especially his faithful wife of nearly 52 years of marriage, Carolyn, and proud children and grandchildren.

Hank was born in Fort Wayne, IN, and raised in rural Adams County, IN, where he remained his entire life (“where life is real!”). Hank graduated from Monmouth High School in Decatur, IN, in 1960 and then worked for International Harvester in Fort Wayne, IN. However, his fascination of the big blue yonder launched him into his life-long passion, flying fighter jets for the 122nd Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard in Fort Wayne. Lt. Col. Gallmeyer logged 3645 hours of flight time in the F-84F, F-100C, F-4C, F-4E and F-16 while proudly serving his country over a span of 38 years. He also served in active duty status as the Chief of Safety for the Fort Wayne base for the five years preceding his retirement in 1995.

Hank was ever curious and a problem solver at heart, and his civilian career took many directions. He and Carolyn owned and operated Gallmeyer Enterprises in the mid-70s until the farming recession where he repaired large farm machinery out of his own shop. For a time, he also owned and managed a fleet of 18-wheelers that delivered bulk commodities across the country. Hank built a distinguished career as a quality control engineer and worked for notable companies like Magnavox, Prestolite, and Navistar (retired). Hank never knew the real meaning of “retirement,” so he continued to consult and even started a new position at Case New Holland at the age of 70 and commuted to Chicago for two years.

Hank earned his BS degree Business Administration from Indiana Institute of Technology. He also achieved the highest honor of Fellow with the American Society of Quality, and served as the Chairman of Chapter 0905.

Hank’s hobbies included spending time in his shop working on various projects like restoring old tractors. He was also devoted to his 200+ fruit tree orchard and was often out standing in his field of sweet corn. He loved to take an afternoon to fish when they were biting. He also visited his kids and grandkids regularly.

Hank was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Preble, IN, where he served as a church elder. He also served as a member of the National Board of Directors for Lutherans for Life.

Hank was preceded in death by his parents, Emelie and Harold Gallmeyer; half-sister Lucille Steffey, and sister-in-law, Jane Gallmeyer. He is survived by his faithful, dedicated wife, Carolyn (Thiele) Gallmeyer; daughters Kristina (Gallmeyer) Vaughn of Evergreen, CO, and Lisa Gallmeyer (George Andreadakis) of Minnetonka, MN; son Ryan Gallmeyer (Tracy), of Carmel, IN; granddaughters Anna Vaughn, Mia Vaughn, Paige Gallmeyer and Brynn Gallmeyer; grandson, Beckett Gallmeyer; brother, Jim Gallmeyer of New Haven, IN; as well as a loving extended family.

Funeral services for Hank will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church – Preble with Rev. Dr. Daniel Brege officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military graveside services being conducted by the American Legion Post 43 Color Guard. Friends and family will received from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Friday in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, Hank’s family requests that preferred memorials are given in his honor to St. Paul Lutheran Church - Preble, The Hope Clinic (Decatur), or Family LifeCare – Hospice.