Veronica Gallagher

Veronica Marie Rickerl Gallagher, 92, of Bozeman passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2009. Veronica was born on August 17, 1916 in Story City, Boone County, Iowa to Frank and Julia Rickerl, the eldest child of 8. She was raised on a farm, learning to work and care for her brothers and sisters at a young age. She learned to cook standing on a chair helping her mother. Veronica graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1938 from St. Anthony#8217;s School of Nursing in Carroll, Iowa. She worked in the Cresco Hospital in Cresco, Iowa which led to her meeting her future husband. On April 7, 1942, she married Clifford Gallagher in Gilbert, Iowa. They resided in Burr Oak, Iowa and Story City, Iowa until 1945 when they decided to move to Montana. In 1948 Veronica started a nursing career with Bozeman Deaconess Hospital that spanned the next thirty years. She held many positions including House Supervisor and Head Nurse. Veronica was the Head Nurse of the Extended Care Facility upon it opening in 1970. She was nicknamed #8220;Galle#8221; by her co-workers and others of the medical community. When problems arose it was common to hear #8220;Where#8217;s #8220;Galle#8221;? She can start that IV.#8221; Her love for helping others was evident her whole life whether in nursing or giving rides to church or lending an ear to those who needed it. She enjoyed cooking, quilting, knitting, crocheting, traveling, fishing, and camping, but most of all, she loved her family. She could make a feast from nothing, a dress from scraps, and a quilt out of love. Veronica was honored with the title of #8220;Gold Star Mother#8221; following the death of her son, Raymond Gallagher. Veronica was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Eagles Auxiliary, Fort Ellis Women's Club, Bozeman Senior Center, The Gallatin County Historical Society and the Foresters. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Gallagher; son, Raymond Gallagher, who was killed in Vietnam in 1968; Frank Julia Rickerl; Theodore Rickerl; Cecelia Hathaway; George Rickerl; Quentin Rickerl and son in law David Hammerland. Survivors include her children, George (Joanne) Gallagher of Manhattan, Sylvia Hammerland of Bozeman, and Phyllis (David) Johansen of Bozeman; siblings, Christine Sampson of Story City, IA, Bernadette Hathaway of Grand Meadows, MN, and Herman Rickerl of Charles City, IA; seven grandchildren, Michael (Brenda) Gallagher, Shawn Gallagher, Dennis (Julie) Hammerland, Craig (Serenity) Hammerland, Nicole Hammerland, Cortney Hammerland, and Jonathan Johansen; and eight great-grandchildren, Ashley, Jessica, Asher, Haley, Kenney, Anthony Grayson, Qwest and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials in Veronica's name may be made to the Bozeman Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, 807 N Tracy, Bozeman, MT 59715, Gallatin Historical Society, 317 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715 or charity of choice. A Vigil service will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, April 17, 2009 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with interment to follow at Sunset Hills Cemetery.