Cheryl J. Galle Obituary

Cheryl Jean (Franszczak) Galle was born on February 25, 1954, and on May 27, 2024, the world became heavier, as she passed away after a very brief illness.

Cheryl was raised in Menomonee Falls, WI by her adoring parents, Gay and Victor Franszczak, and with her brother, Keith. She dreamt of being on Broadway, participating in as many musicals as her schedule allowed.

Upon meeting her future husband, Jim, Cheryl endeavored to raise a family. She had three children and was a stay-at-home mom for each of them. Cheryl was an outstanding baker, who made all birthday cakes from scratch and delighted everyone with treats, particularly during the holiday season. She also was an excellent seamstress, which resulted in all varieties of home-made Halloween costumes for her kids.

While her children were young, Cheryl attended college and, upon graduating college, Cheryl became a science teacher. The vast majority of her teaching career was spent at Sussex Hamilton High School, where she taught all the most difficult high school classes – including physics, anatomy and physiology, and AP chemistry. Cheryl taught, in total, thousands of students – many of whom she spoke about fondly up until her death. Teaching – not Broadway – was the career she was born to have.

Personally, Cheryl was at her finest when she had someone to adore – be it her children, her animals, or, preeminently, her grandchildren.

Cheryl and Jim, both of whom could never turn away from an animal in need, started their lives adopting Maggie, who was adored by all. Later, when Cheryl's cousin, Amber, died suddenly, Cheryl eagerly stepped forward and adopted Amber's silky terrier, Phoebe Moons Child, who thereafter continued a life showered with love. Phoebe's only adversity was when Cherly couldn't help but attract a stray cat, Bubba, who was quickly adopted and eagerly adjusted to a life of comfort in the Galle household. Thereafter, a series of cats came through Cheryl's home (Calvin, Leo, Louie, Thelma, and Max), as she and Jim sought out the most "unadoptable" cats, including those that were blind, had three legs, had severe anxiety, and had challenging medical issues (including, in the case of Bubba, an allergy to cats – problematic because he was, in fact, a cat).

But even more than the animals for whom she cared, Cheryl was happiest when surrounded by her grandchildren – Ethan, Harrison, Grace, Brooklyn, and Josiah. Cheryl attended all the events she could that involved her grandbabies, as she called them, including track meets, choir concerts, basketball games, wrestling meets, dancing recitals, MMA matches, and the list goes on and on. If the event involved her grandkids and an invitation was made, Cheryl was there.

She enthusiastically undertook all varieties of board games, indulging her grandkids' requests at every turn. Whether it be an hour-long Checkers match or a six-hour-long game of Monopoly, Cheryl never turned down a request to spend any amount of time with them.

Cheryl loved spending her summers at "The Water House", a home she shared with Jim on Cedar Springs Lake in Neshkoro, Wisconsin. She loved taking out their pontoon boat, lounging in the lake, and having her grandkids stay with her for weeks at a time. She was an amazing host and always had snacks, treats, and, for the adults, the requisite amount of alcohol on-hand.

Cheryl will be missed most acutely in the summers, when her Water House get-togethers were magical, and during the holidays, when her ability to provide infectious festivity was unequaled.

Ultimately, Cheryl will be remembered for her infectious smile, her enthusiasm for all activities in which her loved ones participated, and her love of family. Cheryl was preceded in death by her father, Victor Franszczak, and her mother, Gay Franszczak. She will be remembered and tremendously missed by her husband, James Galle; her children, Victoria (Rob) Turk, Patricia (Jason) Stone, and Tom (Sara) Galle; her grandchildren, Grace Turk, Harrison and Josiah Stone, and Ethan and Brooklyn Galle; her brother, Keith (Nancy) Franszczak; and many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of Cheryl's life with food and drinks will be held on June 7, 2024 from 4pm-7pm at Thirsty Duck, located at N64W23180 Main Street, Sussex, WI.

In lieu of flowers, loved ones are encouraged to make a donation in Cheryl's honor to the Washington County Humane Society.