Michael H. Gallmeier

Michael H. Gallmeier, 67, of Delphos, passed away surrounded by his family Thursday, February 8, 2018, at his residence following a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Mike was born November 11, 1950, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the son of Harold F. and Caroline (Bergfeld) Gallmeier, who both survive in Delphos. On November 12, 1981, he married Deborah (Long) Gallmeier, who also survives in Delphos.

Other survivors include three sons, Shane (Brenda), Travis (Kristy), and Kyle Gallmeier; five grandchildren, Logan, Isaac, Alissa, Ava, and Aubree; his brother, Joe (Tina) Gallmeier; and four sisters, Kathy (Marc) Tirey, Joyce (Ed) Long, Mary (Ron) Reese, and Kelly (Jeff) Smith.

He was preceded in death by his triplet infant children, Bryan, Ryan, and Lisa, in 1975.

Mike was a 1969 graduate of Delphos St. John’s High School. He retired January 1, 2008, from UPS, where he was a driver for 35 years. His UPS route was in Putnam County (Columbus Grove, Vaughnsville, and Cairo), where he developed his true route family. He was a member of the Teamsters for over 36 years, being a union steward for many of those years. Mike also worked for a short period of time with The Delphos Herald/Eagle Print. Mike got his start being a door-to-door milk delivery man with Meadow Gold in Lima.

Mike was elected mayor of Delphos in 2007 and served nearly three terms, having to resign during his third term because of health conditions. He also served on Delphos City Council for eight years. After becoming mayor, he was the Delphos representative serving on the board of West Ohio Community Action Partnership for many years.

Mike was blessed in his life to be able to have jobs that he loved. He was a people person and always willing to help when and wherever he could. UPS and the mayor’s position were the perfect jobs for Mike and brought him much joy and satisfaction.

Mike made two trips to Delphos’ Sister City of Verl, Germany, and he was very involved in every aspect of the two cities’ relationship. Mike was truly the driving force and point man behind the Free Food on Us program in Delphos. He was a member of Eagles and Delphos St. John’s, and was very involved in Kiwanis, where he was instrumental in many of their activities: Pancake Day, Blood Screening, and the Fourth of July celebration.

Mike never knew a stranger and loved people. He was well known for his infectious smile.  As mayor, he was always willing to listen. He enjoyed traveling, especially with his family on vacations. Mike gave 150 percent of himself, not only to his community by making it a better place to live, but to his family. He never missed a family function. He was there for all of them and involved in every level. Mike had what he considered a lot of extended family that he loved like his own.

Mike wore many hats during his lifetime, and, therefore, went by numerous names: Fido, Smiley, Curly, Pops, Mike Too, Dad, Mayor Mike, Paw Paw, and Grandpa.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday, February 12, at Trinity Family Life Center, 702 Ambrose Drive in Delphos, with Pastor Rich Rakay officiating.  Burial will be at a later date. 

A memorial visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, February 11, at Harter & Schier Funeral Home in Delphos, and from 11 a.m. Monday until the time of services at the Family Life Center.

For the Celebration of Life service, the family is requesting that everyone please wear casual clothing, along with their “Mike Strong” shirts.

Preferred memorials: The Mike Gallmeier Foundation. Funds will be used to help support Delphos projects that were dear to Mike’s heart.