Jean Ann Gallas, 72 of Winona, died peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at Gundersen Health System.
Jean was born January 23, 1948 in Eau Claire to Donald and Mary (Heald) Nyseth. She was raised in Winona and graduated from Cotter Senior High. On June 7, 1985, Jean married Jerry Gallas and they recently celebrated their 35th Anniversary.
Jean worked as a credit manager at Watkins for many years until her retirement. She loved to dance and her and Jerry spent many Saturday nights dancing the night away. Her family was her true pride and she loved spending time with them - especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry; two daughters, Angie Evans and Julie Johnson (Jeremy McQuiston); three grandchildren, McKenna Evans, Haley Johnson and Cameron Johnson; twin sister, Joan (John) Kierlin; brother, Greg (Jody) Nyseth; sister-in-law, Becky Nyseth; two nieces, Mishelle Kierlin and Heather Nyseth; two nephews, Adam (Vicky) Nyseth and Shane Nyseth, and her beloved dog, Bella.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Tom Nyseth and nephew, Mike Kierlin.
A Celebration of Jean's life will be 12:30 p.m., Sunday, July 19, 2020 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center, led by Funeral Celebrant Jen Corcoran. Visitation will be 11 a.m., until the time of the service. Please wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation (https://www.helpfightra.org/).
Hoff Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory of Jean, sign her online guestbook and view her video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tributes
Barb Brommer wrote on Jul 24, 2020:
"I was so sad to hear about Jean\'s passing. My deepest sympathy. I have fond memories of working with her and Jerry at Watkins. She was always such a sweet, classy lady. Rest in Peace Jean. May the wonderful memories help Jerry and your family through this difficult time."
Jim and Cally Youngberg wrote on Jul 23, 2020:
"So sorry to hear about Jeans passing. I considered her a very good friend and have many great memories of times when we were younger. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jerry, Joan, Greg, Angie and Julie and so many other friends and relatives. I will remember her always. "
Daniel Pomeroy wrote on Jul 21, 2020:
"Such a wonderful girl right across Olmstead Street, her sister Joan, Tom and Greg. Peace be with you Jerome, you?re quite a guy yourself. Cherish the memories.
~Daniel Pomeroy"
Margaret Beech wrote on Jul 20, 2020:
"To the family of Jean Ann.....My deepest sympathies to you all......I had the pleasure of working with Joanie...Keep her memories deep in your heart and she will always be near.......Rest in Peace Jean. From Margaret Beech..."
Stan and Carolyn wrote on Jul 19, 2020:
"What words can cover all our experiences thru 35 years? You were a terrific lady and mom and wife and friend! Heaven has gained another precious person. "
Sue (Wiley) Danielson wrote on Jul 18, 2020:
"Loved this gal!! She was ALWAYS so pleasant and nice to myself, Brian, and Cole. Thinking of all of you! Cherish the memories!!!"
Anne Mrachek Suchomel wrote on Jul 18, 2020:
"I have fond memories of spending some of my growing up years hanging around with Jean and Joan when they lived two houses away from me on the corner of Lafayette and Sarnia. Condolences to all her family and friends,"
Elaine Scherdin wrote on Jul 18, 2020:
"Many happy memories of our time together at Watkins. My sincere sympathy to you, Jerry and the girls and their families. My prayers go out to all of you. "
Patti (Browne) Greenless wrote on Jul 17, 2020:
"Joan,
So sorry to hear of Jean?s passing. As kids I have many fond memories playing together at your house, walking home from Cathedral and Cotter and playing down at the lake. Jean will always be a part of those ?growing up years?.
May she Rest In Peace and may her memories give you peace, love and hope.
My sympathy to Greg as well and all her family.
Patti (Browne) Greenless
"
DIANE.KOHNER wrote on Jul 17, 2020:
"There would be more than one memory to write aboutt that we shared at Wakins! I am so happy for those times.
To Jerry and family, I am so sorry for your loss and my condolences to each one of you,
"
Audrey Johnson friend from work wrote on Jul 17, 2020:
"Joan I am so sorry to see that Jean passed away my prayers are with you and your family."
Duane and Stacy Eide wrote on Jul 17, 2020:
"Julie and family
Our condolences for the loss of your Mother. We send our prayers for strength at this very difficult time.
Duane and Stacy Eide"
Tom and Debbie Butterfield wrote on Jul 16, 2020:
"Deepest sympathy - thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jean was a wonderful lady and will be missed!! May you find comfort in your many memories with her."
Carol Davitt wrote on Jul 16, 2020:
"Thoughts, Prayers and sympathy . Many fond memories of our past outings and the time we spent together."
Pat Kennedy Christensen wrote on Jul 16, 2020:
"So sorry to hear of Jeans passing . We had a lot of good memories as children growing up. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Pat Kennedy Christensen"
Hoff Funeral and Cremation Services wrote on Jul 16, 2020:
"To Jean\'s family--love, prayers and sympathy to all. Have many happy memories to cherish as I know you will too. The Book of Jean has closed but her love for all of you will be forever. RIP dear Jean.
Cousin Marleen and family from Auburndale."
Cotter Class of 1967 wrote on Jul 15, 2020:
"Jerome & Family, Your Cotter 67\' Classmates send our sympathies to you. Our prayers are for your comfort and peace with so many memories of the love she gave to you. "