Michael James "Mike" Gallagher

Michael James “Mike” Gallagher, age 74, of Wilmington, passed away Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati.    Mike was born February 22, 1949, in Rochester, Indiana the son of the late Norbert Morrell and Katherine Jane (Bull) Gallagher.  Mike was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War, and retiring after 20 years of service.  He was one of the first to work at the National Weather Service operation in Wilmington, working there for more than 22 years.    Mike grew up in Rochester, Indiana, and summered on Beaver Island. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears, and the University of Michigan and Michigan State football teams.  He was very active in his children’s lives, being a Boy Scout Leader, a Girl Scout Leader, and a 4-H Leader.  He was very proud of obtaining the Wood Badge, which is the adult equivalent of the Eagle Scout Badge.   Mike was a 3rd and 4th Degree member in The Knights of Columbus; a member of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians; and a member of the Wilmington American Legion Post #49.  He, along with his wife Joan, enjoyed traveling, and enjoyed camping, having camped in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan, where they made many friends.  Mike is survived by his wife, Joan C. (Lamb) Gallagher, to whom he married November 7, 1970, in Kewanna, Indiana; three children, Brenna (Darin) Rose of Xenia, Ohio, Brian (Buffy) Gallagher of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and Chris (Katy) Gallagher of Cincinnati, Ohio; grandchildren, Alexander Gallagher, Andrew Gallagher, and Austin (Alexis) Gallagher; great grandson, Finnley; brother Tom (Margaret) Gallagher of Florida; brother-in-law William (Judy) Lamb of Indiana; nieces and nephews, Bryan (Jennifer) Dahle-Melsaether, Mark (Tricia) Dahle-Melsaether, Dawn (David) Bantly, Sean (Jennifer) Gallagher, Scott (Stacy) Gallagher, Shane (Sheila) Gallagher, Karen (Bob) Gudorf, Patti (Jeff) Bontempo, David (Lisa) Lamb, Tia Allor, and Tillie (Jarod Morgan) Lamb; several great nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many friends, including special friend Ben (Janie) Crow of Somerset, Kentucky.  In addition to his parents, Mike is preceded in death by two sisters, Maureen “Mo” Dahle-Melsaether and Patricia “Pat” Gallagher; father and mother-in-law, Marion and Mathilda Lamb; brother-in-law Ole Dahl-Melsaether and brother-in-law and wife, Wayne (Kathy) Lamb.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 15, 2023, at St Columbkille Catholic Church, Wilmington.  Father Bernard Weldishofer will be the Celebrant.  Burial with military honors accorded by the Wilmington American Legion Post #49 Honor Guard will follow in the Sugar Grove Cemetery, Wilmington.  Visitation will be held Wednesday, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington.  To leave an on-line condolence, please visit www.arehart-brown.com. Or see our Facebook page, Brown Funeral Home. 

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