Gregory Galiher

GREGORY L. GALIHER

Cedar Rapids

Gregory L. Galiher, a 46-year resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away Dec. 5, 2018, from complications related to an aggressive form of lung cancer.

At Greg's request, there will be no funeral, but a celebration of life will be held at a later date in the spring.

Greg was born Nov. 2, 1938, in Atlantic, Iowa, the only child of Gordon and Floreine (Humphrey) Galiher.

Greg attended Atlantic public schools, where he was involved in sports, with special interest in baseball, basketball and golf. He also was a member of his high school newspaper staff and enjoyed participating in his junior and senior class plays.

Upon graduation, Greg enrolled at the University of Iowa, where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. At U of I, Greg met Sharon Fleming, whom he married in August 1959.

Following graduation, Greg accepted a commission as an Army Infantry 2nd Lieutenant, beginning 30 months of active duty in 1961.

Following active duty, Greg worked for Mutual of Omaha in Omaha, Neb., until accepting a position with State Farm companies in 1965. In 1969, Greg was promoted to claims management and transferred to State Farm's regional office in Lincoln, Neb.

Greg's greatest professional passion was helping employees forge successful careers as litigation strategists and managers, skills that afforded them the opportunities to work with both defense and plaintiff attorneys across the state.

Greg's interests were many, foremost being golf, cooking, reading, landscaping, hunting, fishing, casino trips, the Hawks, the Cubs, and good conversation. Greg also was an avid dog lover, his pets Gypsy, Babe, Jesse and Molly remaining close to his heart over the years.

Greg and Sharon were divorced in 1981. Greg then married Linda James in 1985. The two were divorced in 1994 but remained good friends and enjoyed many years in the company of their combined families.

Surviving are son, Scott Galiher of Seattle; daughter, Kelly Galiher Schmida of Washington, Iowa; grandson, Walter McCallum of Iowa City; ex-wife, Linda Galiher of Cedar Rapids and her daughter, Rachel Farrell; grandchildren, Ashley (husband Rey), Nicholas, Lexi and Phoenix; and great-grandchildren, Macey, Madoxx and Niko.

Additional surviving friends and family include Greg's close friend and cousin, Jim Galiher; first wife, Sharon Hart, and her husband, Bill; and Greg's aunt, Barbara Humphrey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cedar Valley Humane Society or Last Hope Animal Rescue, both located in Cedar Rapids.