Emilie A. Galles

Emilie Angeline Galles, 90 years old of Aurora, Illinois, passed away on Monday, Feb 26, 2018, at Rush Copley Hospital. She was born on May 19, 1927 to Joseph and Josephine (Schirtz) Rippinger. She married her lifetime soul mate, John P. Galles on November 27, 1947. Together they raised their 5 children in Aurora. She was a devoted wife and mother, and a devout Catholic. With her husband at her side (often holding hands) she attended St Therese faithfully. When they moved to the west side of Aurora, they attended Holy Angels, and again, were often seen holding hands while walking. “Emmy” was known for her exceptional sewing skills. The family still smiles when they remember how she had sewn matching shirts for all 5 of her children when they went on a family vacation to their cabin in Lake Tomahawk, WI. While raising the children, Emmy‘s father-in-law John, who was disabled from a stroke, came to live with them. She took care of her father-in-law faithfully for many years until his death. It was during these years that she developed a love for planting flowers. She called it her “therapy”. Her flower beds were known for their beauty, variety and breathtaking colors. Emmy loved visiting with family and friends, both new and old, and was a family historian as well as a faithful prayer warrior for her family. She was also known for her baking and frequently donated her outstanding pies to St Therese fund raisers. Every week, she would take homemade pies to her family members and to friends who were sick. She was a master at knitting. She knitted beautiful, heirloom bedspreads, many sweaters for her grandchildren and women’s clothing. Most notably, she was known for her hand knitted, oversized Christmas stockings and mittens for her children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to hang up for Santa. For many, many decades, she was a faithful, devoted and loving partner to her husband while helping him in their downtown family-owned sports store JOHNO’S MAIN SURPLUS. Emilie used her sewing skills to perform alterations on uniforms for the City of Aurora police, US Postal workers, Aurora firemen, and many other City of Aurora workers. She also did the alterations on uniforms for many youth programs in Aurora. Emmy was faithful as well in keeping a constant supply of homemade cookies, candies and treats for everyone to enjoy who came to their home and store. Good eats and good conversation were always plentiful. She was the smile that everyone recognized. She was known for her hard work and her great family meals. Emmy was a living testament to her faith and Christian beliefs. She made a difference in many lives that she touched. Emilie is survived by her beloved husband, John P. Galles; two brothers, Joseph (Helen) Rippinger and Phillip (Jan) Rippinger; her four sons, David (Jane) Galles, Michael (Cynthia) Galles, John (Susan) Galles, Terrance (Margaret) Galles; her daughter, Josephine (Bruce) Dow; 12 grandchildren: Jennifer, Jason, Brandon, Neil, Andrea, Jake, Christian, Kathryn, Mitchell, Nate, Derek and Liam; 9 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, John, Francis, David and James; and a granddaughter, Rachel Conley (Galles). Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 11:30 AM from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY to Annunciation Church at 12:00 PM; Fr. Joel Rippinger, O.S.B. will officiate with interment at Marywood Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, March 2, 2018 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a Liturgical Wake Service at 7:00 PM at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 North Lake Street, Aurora, Illinois 60506. (630) 631-5500. Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may sign the guest book or leave condolences for Emilie’s family.

Emilie A. Galles

May 19, 1927 - February 26, 2018