Leo Eugene “Gene” Galvin, 69, of Cherokee, passed away at UnityPoint One Hospital on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026.
Visitation and time for sharing stories of Gene will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, with family present from 5-7 p.m. at Greenwood Schubert Chapel-Boothby Funeral Home in Cherokee. In addition: as Gene’s final wish, it was his desire to celebrate his life in a unique way that only makes Gene truly Gene. He wanted all friends and family to join each other at the Brightside Lounge on Saturday, Nov. 21 starting at 11 a.m. for a time of remembrance to commemorate the life he led and the memories he created with all. Cheers Gene, you will truly be missed!
In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials can be sent to Boothby Funeral Home.
Gene, the son of Gaylen and Carol (Hargens) Galvin, was born Feb. 15, 1957, in Cherokee. Gene was the eldest of five kids and spent his childhood working his parent’s farm while attending Holstein Community Schools, graduating in 1975. After high school Gene attended Buena Vista College. While at college on scholarship, Gene participated in football and wrestling. His football team made the Division 3 playoffs several times and he and his teammates won the Boot Hill Bowl. He graduated from BV in 1979 with a degree in biology. After college Gene was a steadfast employee of Godbersen Smith Construction where he spent countless hours literally paving a future for all Iowans. Later in life, Gene worked for Steve and Sheree Vohs as a farm worker. In his 40 plus years of service for the Vohs family, Gene was not only a valued employee, but he became an important part of the Vohs family. Gene was often referred to as an uncle not only to his true relatives but an adopted uncle to Steve and Sheree’s kids.
Gene was a loyal employee, significant other, brother, son, relative and friend and as always would gladly share his opinion, disagree with vigor on things he was passionate about and support all those things surrounding his true and adopted family. Gene’s love of the arts started when he was young and followed through his entire life, culminating in a long and active affiliation with Cherokee Community Theatre. Gene loved the outdoors, and was at his best when he was involved in any way with cattle, farming or his dogs. Gene was introduced to his partner Michele Hanson in August 1994, and together they built a long and wonderful relationship.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gaylen and Carol; his aunts and uncles: Betty and Ken Stoneking, Janice and Joe Terry and Judy and Bob Obbink; and his cousins: Janella Terry, Julie Terry and Mel Pudenz.
Those surviving are his partner Michele Hanson of Cherokee; siblings: Patrick James Galvin of Holstein; Julie Marie Galvin (Kelvin Terry) of Roanoke Rapids, N.C.; Jeffrey Ernest Galvin (Tamara Hechtner) of Lincoln, Neb.; and Delane Francis Galvin (Teresa Mollhoff) of Ankeny; his nieces and nephews: Justin Galvin, Jesse Galvin, Patricia (Ben) Martin, Jake (Megan) Galvin, Blake Terry, Nicole Terry, Quinn Galvin, Abigail Galvin and Brody Galvin; great-nieces and nephews: Hailey Galvin; Aubree and Braxton Galvin; Blair Berends; Elizabeth and Kinzal Martin; Weston Galvin; and numerous cousins and friends. He also leaves his and Michele’s two Jack Russell Terriers, Ladybug and Cricket.
