John P. Galuska

John P. Galuska passed away at home with his family after a courageous 21 year battle with leukemia. His smile and unique sense of humor will be deeply missed. John was born in Antigo, WI on December 20, 1931 to John P. and Anna Novara Galuska. He was the youngest of five children. After graduating from high school, he proudly served his country during the Korean War in the US Air Force at the beginning of the jet age, instructing mechanics on jet engine repair and maintenance. After the Air Force, he married Carrie Knutson, his wife of 58 years. He continued his service to his country as a civilian employee of the Air Force at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois, and then contributed to national security and the space age by building guidance systems for the Titan ballistic missiles and the Gemini rockets at AC - Electronics in Milwaukee. John and Carrie moved to Wausau in 1969. John was a loving father raising five children while working for the then Wisconsin Public Service Corporation at the Weston Power Plants, advancing through all of the control operator ranks, retiring as a Control Operator A in 1993. John loved his country and the opportunities available. He often marveled how a farm boy who grew up without electricity or running water could retire at the controls of a multi-million dollar power plant producing electricity for the entire region and beyond. John was preceded in death by his parents, son Gary, and brothers Ed Galuska and Gene Galuska. He is survived by his wife, Carrie L. Galuska of Wausau, WI, daughters Linda L. Wissbeck (Tom) of Milwaukee, WI and Diane M. Weise (Mark) of Ringle, WI; sons Tom P. Galuska of Merrill, WI and Craig M. Galuska of Baltimore, MD (Sue); grandchildren Carrie (Rich) Davenport, Brian Wissbeck, Tim Weise and Jenny Weise, and great-grandson Miles Davenport. The family wishes to thank Dr. Hamied Rezazadeh of the Wausau Cancer Center and all of the hospital, nursing home, and Hospice staff for their professional, respectful, and compassionate care of John. There will be a private family funeral Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church. Contributions in John's memory can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.