Clair Galles

CEDAR FALLS — Clair Joseph Galles, 89, of Cedar Falls, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at NewAldaya Lifescapes in Cedar Falls. Clair was born on February 23, 1936, in Remsen, Iowa, the son of Arthur and Frances (Shea) Galles. He graduated from Paullina High School in 1954 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Education from the University of Northern Iowa in 1964. While studying at the University of Northern Iowa, he worked for Cedar Falls Schools driving school bus and as janitor. On August 28, 1961, he was united in marriage to Beverly Jebsen in Cherokee, Iowa. Clair began his professional career with JS Latta Co., where he served as Vice President of Operations until his retirement in 1993. Following retirement, Clair and Beverly fulfilled a lifelong dream of building their forever home on the farm. Never one to sit still, Clair began a second career in farming—working the land through his 80th year of life. A perfect balance to his active lifestyle were the winters he and Bev spent in their “happy place,” Marco Island, Florida. What began as a family trip in the 1980s became a cherished annual retreat for the Galles family. The grandchildren will forever treasure long walks with Grandpa to Tigertail Beach—always ending with a well-earned ice cream cone, one of his greatest joys. When he wasn’t farming, Clair drove trucks for Hawkeye Corrugated Box and Ruan. He was a proud member of Council 4516 of the Knights of Columbus at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Falls. Clair is survived by his wife, Beverly of Cedar Falls; his son, Patrick (Kami) Galles of Cedar Falls; daughter, Angela (Jeff) Snyder of Omaha, NE; grandchildren, Jordan (Brett DeNeve), Cole, Sydney (Cole Martin), Alaina, and Kreighton Clair Galles; Christopher (Kailey) and Haley Claire (Taylor Severin) Snyder; great-grandchildren, Greyson and Hayes DeNeve, Isla and Benson Snyder, and Tatum and Reece Severin; brothers, Jerry (Nancy), and Leroy (Ann) Galles; sister-in-law, Euena Hill; brother-in-law, Dennis (Mary) Jebsen; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Chad Galles, on October 29, 2011; and a sister in infancy. Clair’s legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, in whom he instilled his core values: commitment to family, pursuing passions with hard work and discipline, and taking pride in a job well done. He will be remembered for his sharp wit, his love of a sweet treat, and his fondness for classic television programming. The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to NewAldaya Lifescapes and Cedar Valley Hospice for their compassionate care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Falls. Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday, January 26, 2026, at Richardson Funeral Service, with a time of sharing at 5:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to the NewAldaya Lifescapes Memory Care in Cedar Falls or Cedar Valley Hospice.

Clair Galles

February 23, 1936 - January 20, 2026