Sandra Galik

Sandra “Sandy” L. Galik, 85, of Waterloo, Illinois, formerly of Belleville, Illinois, passed away on Friday, April 21st, 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee on May 25th, 1937.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Anita (Trapp) Barhorst, her husband, Donald “Don” Galik, her brothers, Frank and Richard Barhorst, and her sister, Anita (Barhorst) McKean.

Sandy is survived by four daughters, Michelle (Kevin) Mahoney of Swansea, Illinois, Cheryl (Brian) Campbell of Swansea, Illinois, Gina Taylor of Fairview Heights, Illinois, and Julie (Bill) Frerichs of Swansea Belleville, Illinois; nine grandchildren Jennifer (Kris) Tucker, Ryan (DeLayna) Mahoney, Darcy (Patrick) Sullivan, Shannon Poynter, Jake (Jane) Campbell, Kelsey Campbell, Brandon (Elizabeth) Rotz, Zach (Lori) Leveling, Tyler Frerichs, Abby Olmstead; great-grandchildren Kaleb, Mila, Brogan, Samson, Jude, Ezra, Luke, Emilia, Floyd, Gibson, Millie, Noralyn, Mia, Stella, Althea; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, family and dear friends.

Sandy loved her life and often expressed how lucky she was to live the life she had. Her family were her pride and joy, and she would light up in their presence. She had a quick, witty mind, a great sense of humor and was always ready for a joke. Making others laugh and smile was one of her greatest gifts.

While raising their children Sandy and her husband, Don, fostered newborn babies for the Catholic Social Services until permanent placement was found. She was employed with the City of Fairview Heights the senior citizen shuttle service. She also spent many years as a bus driver for students with special needs.

She served on the Board of the P. Buckley Moss Society, was a Girl Scout leader, craft instructor at Grand Manor, and Sunday school teacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She loved participating in many different activities at Buttonwood Bay (Florida), Grand Manor and Oakhill in her later years. She also planned and lead craft classes at Grand Manor. In her retirement years, she enjoyed camping with family and friends.

She was a woman of faith and a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Sandy touched many lives and her spirit and smile will be greatly missed. We find comfort knowing she is in her forever home with her Lord.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, April 30th, 2023 at Valhalla Gaerdner Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois.

Funeral will be at 4:00 pm on Sunday, April 30th, 2023 at Valhalla Gaerdner Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois.

Per Sandy’s wishes, Rites of Cremation will follow with graveside service later at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities St. Louis, or the American Diabetes Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ValhallaGardensandFuneralHome.com for the Galik family.