Galen John Haldeman of Urbandale, IA has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
What follows is written with love, by those who knew him best.
To raise a child is to give the world a future. Galen did this with care.
Galen John Haldeman was born March 20, 1934, and passed away peacefully at home April 25, 2026, at the age of 92. Galen was born in Quinter, Kansas to Millard and Geneva (Jamison) Haldeman. Geneva passed away September 13, 1936, when Galen was 2 years old. His father married Minnie Wertz on July 16, 1939.
Galen moved to Iowa after he graduated and lived with his grandparents. On October 14, 1956, he married Mary Ruth Reed. They would have been married for 70 years this coming October. Galen and Ruth have four children, Cynthia (Eldon) Meyers, Charlene (Dave) Marsh, Gary (Cathy) Haldeman, and Eric (Nikki) Haldeman, 30 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and 4 more on the way this year.
He is survived by his brother Marvin (Esther) Haldeman of Quinter, Kansas, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Geneva, father Millard, his stepmother Minnie, and great-great grandson William, (Kaitlynn & Tate Good).
Galen loved the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright. He enjoyed unique art and would take his children to the Des Moines Art Center many Sunday afternoons. He was also intrigued with the Crazy Horse Monument and enjoyed the various artists that would display their talents there. He attended art classes for mixed media and then for practice would have his children "sit still" while he would sketch them. In his spare time, he could often be found carving faces on a piece of wood or stone, drawing faces, hands, and figures.
Galen was extremely talented operating earth moving equipment, the backhoe, ditch witch, and larger caterpillars. Undoubtedly his favorite was the Gerlinger.
He built many houses in the Dallas Center and Des Moines area, but also would include gazebos, arbors, and various unique structures. During his career he would hire experienced workers along with young men who were willing to learn. He was meticulous in his work and desired the best possible outcome. These qualities would be instilled into his workers over the years.
Galen accepted Christ at a young age and loved the Lord. His kids remember him reading his Bible every evening while they were growing up. He had a very strong desire for his children and grandchildren to surrender their hearts to the Lord and accept Him as their personal Savior, which he often prayed for them.
"Dad, you gave us everything, and now we carry your wisdom and love in our hearts-forever grateful for the life you shared with us."
A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at New Hope Assembly of God Church, in Urbandale, Iowa. There will be a time for lunch and fellowship from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM prior to the service at the church. A committal service will take place at Brethren Cemetery near Dallas Center immediately following the funeral service. Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Tuesday, April 28, at Iles Brandt Chapel in Dallas Center. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements by Iles Brandt Chapel.
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