Galen G. Gillette, 74, of Redfield, SD, died suddenly at his home on Friday, February 23, 2007. His funeral will be Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Redfield. Reverend Tim Fugman will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 1-8:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. The casket will not be open at the church.

Galen Gillette was born July 5, 1932 in Rockham, South Dakota, to Paul F. and Anne (Fitzgerald) Gillette. He grew up in Redfield, graduating from Redfield High School in 1950, whereupon he joined the Navy, serving from August 1, 1950 until April 30, 1954. After his discharge from the Navy, Gillette attended the University of South Dakota where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1958.
Following graduation from USD, Gillette was employed in Washington, D. C. by the U. S. General Accounting Office. He also attended George Washington Law School at night, receiving a Juris Doctorate of Law in 1962. After graduation from GW, Gillette returned to South Dakota. He was employed by the State Securities Department in Pierre prior to his move to Redfield when he was admitted to the South Dakota Bar and opened private practice with D.J. McClure. Gillette & McClure also formed a cable television company with Terry Thomas of Thomas Communications, known as Wy-Dak, Inc.

Gillette practiced law in Redfield for 43 years until the time of his death. Galen was proud to be a part of the Redfield community and participated as an active member of many professional and civic organizations. He enjoyed working with his clients; felt blessed with many good friends; was an avid golfer and made a "hole in one" on June 9, 2006.

Galen G. Gillette and Mary J. Murphy were married on August 17, 1957 in Pierre, SD. He is survived by his wife, his son Paul (Corrine) Gillette and his daughter Margot (Brad DeYoung) of Redfield. He is also survived by his sister Janet (Cecil) Parker of Ventura, California, and his grandchildren: Ellen Gillette, Ben Gillette; Kate Gillette; Clair Gillette; Katie DeYoung, and Ethan DeYoung.

He was preceded in death by his parents Paul F. and Anne Gillette.