Jerry Evon Gallagher

Jerry Gallagher passed away July 22, 2021, at Benefis with his beloved wife of 35 years at his side. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, Aug 8, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Elks Club in Great Falls. Jerry was born to John Gallagher and Margaret Reichelt Gallagher on January 19, 1942, in Fort Benton, MT. Jerry’s early life was spent growing up in Great Falls with a large family of 8 other siblings. How their mother did it, no one knows. But they always had fresh baked bread, clean (sometimes patched clothes), and sometimes holy shoes with cardboard. She had a calm, happy disposition and was loved by all of her children. Jerry always missed her dearly. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jack Gallagher; and beloved, brother-in-law, Gary Blair. Jerry is survived by his wife, Kathy of Great Falls; daughter, Casey Jo Gallagher; and son, JR Gallagher and his wife, Amanda Jo, along with a beautiful granddaughter, Rhen Gallagher. He is also survived by his seven remaining siblings, Ray (Izora) Gallagher, Rachel Blair, Ron (Helen) Gallagher, Mike (Cindy) Gallagher, Roberta (Bobbi) and Jack Olson, Barry (Lacey) Gallagher, and Faith (Barry) Gallagher. His-in-laws, June and Larry Schott, Vicky (Ron) Tozier, and Les Schott. Jerry had numerous nieces and nephews and he loved them each and every one. Jerry and Kathy were married November of 1986. They started the family in 1987, when daughter Casey Jo (apple of his eye) came along. Close behind in 1988, came son Jerry Robert (JR) hunting and fishing buddy for life. JR married Amanda Jo and granddaughter, Rhen was born. Our family was complete. He loved his kids with his whole heart and was a wonderful father. He was a wonderful husband and the love of my life. We continued to dance our way through our great life until the end, although the dancing was mostly done in the kitchen. We love you and will miss you more than you will ever know. Jerry’s greatest passion (besides his family) was hunting and fishing. He grew up with his brothers fishing anywhere they could find. Once he was older and somebody had a car, they started hunting to feed the large Gallagher clan. He loved the Little and Big Belt Mountains and knew every good spot. They fished Belt Creek, Smith River, and many more. Later on, he enjoyed many trips with friends and mostly teaching his son. Jerry started at a young age working with his dad (Gallagher Bros. Trucking). They stacked and hauled hay all over the state. There was never a place we went that he did not say, ”Hauled hay outa there.” In his high school summers, he worked for ranches in Brussett and Jordan, MT. Upon graduating high school, he enlisted in the USMC. He was active duty for 3 years and Marine Corps Reserve for 4 years. He later returned to helping his dad and then worked at the smelter for a couple of years. Jerry then went to work for Baltrusch Trucking hauling cattle to feedlots and ranches. He also took many a load to Alaska during the boom days of the pipeline. Jerry eventually bought his own trucks and started hauling flatbed loads. Jerry and his brother, Mike finally got off the road and started their own company “Electric City Transport” for 21 years. While still at Electric City Transport, we bought a ranch on the Ashuelot Bench. It was hard work running up to 25 trucks from our offices in Black Eagle 40 hours a week. We also ran cows, irrigated, and did our haying in the summer, feeding and calving in the winter. It was a good life and both kids were raised there learning how to work. We all still miss it. It was a good way to grow up. Jerry eventually retired from Electric City Transport, and we sold the ranch. It had gotten to be a bit much especially after Casey and JR went off to college. In our retirement years, we’ve enjoyed our friends and neighbors at our RV at Holter Lake and traveling south in the winters. Above all, Jerry loved his family with his whole heart and soul. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandpa. There was absolutely nothing he wouldn’t do for any of us. This is a note from his youngest sister, Faith from his birthday last year. Happy Birthday my dear Brother, You’ve always shown kindness to others and have been a straight shooter all of your life. You’re the son that looked after our mother-thank goodness she had you. Your legacy is gold. Karma has blessed you with a beautiful wife to grow old with, children to be proud of, a warm and loving home and lots of friends. You’re a rich man Jerry, and I’ve loved and admired you forever and then some. Love, Faithie SEE YA ON THE FLIP FLOP BABY. I LOVE YOU. K