William J “Bill” Galarneault, 87
Sartell
Feb. 8, 1933-June 29,2020
William J. “Bill” Galarneault, 87, of Sartell died June 29 of natural causes in Sauk Rapids. His funeral was held July 6 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell. The Rev. Ronald Weyrens officiated and burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Sartell.
Galarneault was born on Feb. 8, 1933 in St. Cloud to Thomas & Wilhelmine (Riitters) Galarneault. He graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud. He married Jeanine “Sue” Smitten on Nov. 23, 1951 at St. Francis Xavier Church in Sartell.
Galarneault worked at Jack’s Outlet Store in St. Cloud while attending St. Cloud State University. In 1955, He began working as a papermaker at the St. Regis Paper Co. He stayed in that position until 1969 when he became business administrator of the newly formed Sartell Independent School District. While at St. Regis, he served five years as president of the United Paperworkers union and eight years on the grievance and negotiating committee.
Galarneault was instrumental in the formation of the Sartell School District. From 1966-1969, he served as chair and later as clerk of the first district school board. He then became the first business officer of the district and served in that position until his retirement in 1997. Bill was again elected to the school board in 1998 and served until January 2009.
Galarneault was a past member of the Sartell Planning Commission, Sartell Park Commission and was a charter member of the Sartell Lions Club. He was active in various state and regional school finance organizations, serving 16 years on the board of directors of the Minnesota Association for Pupil Transportation. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and Eagles Aerie #622.
Survivors are the following: his children, Laurie (Jon) Perry of Sartell, Sandy (Paul) Trossen of St. Cloud, Peggy Galarneault of Maple Grove; a brother, Ray of St. Cloud; grandchildren: Lisa, Zach, Aimee, Lindsey, Luke and Dani; 13 great-grandchildren and special friend, Dianne Hornung of Sauk Rapids.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sue in 2003; sister, Renee Thomas; and brothers, James, Thomas and C. Richard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
