Michael H. Gallmeier

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

Mike was born November 11, 1950, in Ft. Wayne to Harold F. and Caroline (Bergfeld) Gallmeier.  Both survive in Delphos. He was united in marriage to Deborah (Long) Gallmeier on November 12, 1971.  She survives in Delphos.

He is survived by sons, Shane (Brenda), Travis (Kristy), and Kyle Gallmeier; grandchildren, Logan, Isaac, Alissa, Ava, and Aubree; his brother Joe (Tina) Gallmeier; and sisters, Kathy (Marc) Tirey, Joyce (Ed) Long, Mary (Ron) Reese, and Kelly (Jeff) Smith.

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

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 (Col. Grove, Vaughnsville, 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 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 almost three terms, having to resign during his third term because of health conditions.  He also served on city council for eight years.  After becoming mayor, he was the Delphos representative serving on the board of WOCAP (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 Mayor were the perfect jobs for Mike and brought him much joy and satisfaction.

Mike made two trips to Delphos’ Sister City in Verl, Germany.  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, Delphos St. John’s, and was very involved in Kiwanis where he was instrumental in many of their activities: Pancake Day, Blood Screening, and 4th of July. 

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% 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.

Memorial Visitation will be Sunday, February 11, 2018, from 2-8 pm at Harter & Schier Funeral Home, Delphos.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, February 12, 2018, at 1 pm at Trinity Family Life Center, 702 Ambrose Dr., Delphos, with Memorial Visitation starting at 11 am.  Pastor Rich Rakay will officiate.  Burial will be at a later date.  For the Celebration of Life Service, the family is requesting that everyone please wear casual clothing along with their “Mike Strong” shirts.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Mike Gallmeier Foundation.  Funds will be used to help support Delphos projects that were dear to Mike’s heart.