Gallatin, Norman W.

Norman W. Gallatin, 74, of Garrison, died Wednesday, July 21, 2010, at the Belle Plaine Nursing and Rehab Center following a short illness. An informal Memorial Service and Remembrance will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 24, at the old Vinton Train Depot, where those in attendance should enter from Fourth Avenue between Fifth Street and the railroad tracks. In accordance with Norman's wishes, his ashes will be buried at his father's gravesite in Pierce City, Mo.

Norman was born Sept. 2, 1935, in Columbus, Neb. He was educated in the Des Moines public schools, and then served in the U.S. Air Force. He worked as a draftsman, machinist, and mechanic, and was still actively consulting on mechanical restoration of English and Italian cars. Norman was an inventor, and held several patents.

Norman was a sculptor, whose geometric works in metal, glass, and mirrors were in regional and national exhibits during the 1980s and 1990s.

Norman was interested in science, particularly astronomy and cosmology. He did a lot of self-directed reading in this field, but what neighbors remember of this interest is being awakened in the middle of the night to see a meteor shower, eclipse of the moon, or northern lights.

He is survived by sons, Geoffrey Gallatin of Iowa City and William Pericles “Perry” Gallatin of Houston, Texas; special friend, Karen Nichols of Garrison; sister, Gaile Gallatin of Cedar Rapids; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by a son, Byron Gallatin; and his parents, Norman and Mildred Gallatin.

Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine is serving the family.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at  under obituaries.