Edward "Jerry" Galvin, 84, of Redfield, SD, died Monday, March 17, 2014 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD with his family by his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Redfield. Father Christopher Hughes will celebrate the mass. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Athol with military rites.

Visitation will be Friday from 1-7:00 p.m. with a rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Edward Gerald Galvin (Jerry) was born on November 9th, 1929 to Edward and Nellie (Sparling) Galvin. His Irish Heritage was important to him making it fitting that he join his beloved wife in God's Kingdom on St. Patrick's Day, 14 years later to the day of her burial. He attended school in Athol, and following graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War. Jerry then returned home to work on the family farm and to care for his father.

On January 5, 1954, he married Lois Adele Muellenberg in Mellette, SD. They lived in the Athol area where they farmed and raised their 9 children. In 1995, they retired and moved to Redfield.

Jerry was an amazing father to his children and grandfather to his 21 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He worked hard to provide for his family in every sense and could soften any situation with his quick wit and kind disposition. He will be greatly missed by his adoring family and so many friends, though the cherished memories will forever bring them comfort.

Besides farming, Jerry enjoyed playing slow pitch (in his younger days) with his Athol neighbors and all card games with his many friends at Chrystal's. Woodworking was a hobby that left his family and friends with incredible countless treasured keepsakes. He was a proud member of the VFW and American Legion.

Jerry is survived by his 5 sons: Ed (Judy) Galvin of Athol, SD; Jon (Sandy) Galvin of Gillette, WY; Bryan (Vanessa) Galvin of Gilbert, AZ; Jaymes (Sue) Galvin of Glendale, AZ; Colin (Peggy) Galvin of Huron, SD; 4 daughters: Gwen Galvin of Riverside, CA; Holly (Dean) Bottum of Tulare, SD; Annette (Steve) Wanner of Faulkton, SD, and Marijo (Shannon) Gulbranson of Sioux Falls, SD. He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jennifer Galvin; Shannon (Will) Dos & Logan; Rochelle Galvin; Chris Galvin; Caydence Galvin; Jeremy (Amy) Bottum & Caden, Manson & Morgan; Joni (Kyle) Raisbeck; Jessica (Kyle) Carter; Lacey (Jason) Currington & Amelia, Charlotte, & Annabel; Whitney Wanner; Joshua Galvin; Kiley Galvin; Nichole Galvin (Fiancée Tyler McVay) Avery & Arya; Brandon Galvin; Coden, Haley & Heidi Galvin; Katelyn DeYoung (fiancée Dylan VanSteenberg); Grady, Gavin, & Brynn Gulbranson. He is also survived by his precious sister, Marilyn Van Vleet, and longtime close friend, Lue Anne Keating. The many nieces and nephews that Jerry adored will always remain special to him.

We are blessed to know that our beloved father is now at peace forever, safely home in Heaven at last.