Frederick Walter "Fred" Galsterer

Frederick Walter Galsterer of Caro, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw. Fred was born December 11, 1942 in Saginaw, the son of the late Walter & Lenore (Gallagher) Galsterer. He grew up in Frankenmuth where he graduated high school with the class of 1961. He attended Delta College for a period and discovered that he enjoyed playing cards more than attending class. Knowing that the Vietnam draft was imminent, Fred enlisted with the US Navy where he served over four years on the seaplane tender, USS Currituck (AV-7). While in the service, he became trained as an air traffic controller and used the card skills he learned at Delta to spot easy marks in Cribbage. In December of 1964 and before being sent overseas, Fred made what he would later call the smartest decision of his life by marrying Miriam "Mimi" Janson at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Frankentrost. The couple was blessed with fifty-seven years, five children, nineteen grandchildren, and a lifetime of memories. After Fred's honorable discharge in 1967, he continued his studies, more seriously this time, at Ferris State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in marketing, although it could be said his master's was in bartending. Fred held a nearly uncountable number of jobs through the years, but every position he held centered on people. People were Fred's oxygen. More than a particular profession, he would describe his life as that of a firefighter for nearly fifty years, bus driver for twenty-five, entrepreneur, referee, village council member, and coach. His competitive nature, unmatched work ethic, and community mindedness were instilled in all his children who shared their father with the entire community. Fred's children also learned the Galsterer way, work hard, play hard, and make sure you're in the pew on Sunday. Fred never met a stranger and possessed a universal love of people regardless of creed, color, or station in life. He was an active and faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro and was a longtime organizer of the Caro Meet of Champions. He was always up for the next social event and enjoyed time spent on the golf course or his beloved Drummond Island. More than anything, he will be remembered as a happy and optimistic man that adored his children and grandchildren. He remained to the end their steadfast supporter. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mimi Galsterer of Caro; children and their spouses, Tracey & Dan McKenzie of Saginaw, Amy & Scott Cuthrell of Cass City, Brian & Renae Galsterer of Saginaw, Amanda & Joe Robinson of Saginaw, Molly & Keith Sholten of Frankenmuth; grandchildren, Franklin, Madalyn, Jacksen, and Samuel McKenzie, Sawyer, Sayge, Sandyn, and Saylar Cuthrell, Jacob, Owen, and Allison Galsterer, Sophee, Gabrial, and Wesley Robinson, Jonah, Law, Nyla, Mayze, and Zagz Sholten; two brothers and their spouses, Richard & Nancy Galsterer of Frankenmuth, Edward & Suzanne Galsterer of Santa Barbara, California; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by two siblings, Susan Clark and Ted Galsterer. In keeping with Fred's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Camp Lu Lay Lea. Visitation Information Date: Saturday, January 22, 2022 Time: 9:30 am End Time: 11:00 am St. Paul Lutheran Church-Caro Address: 503 South State St. Caro, MI 48723 9896732175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Saturday, January 22, 2022 Time: 11:00 am St. Paul Lutheran Church-Caro Address: 503 South State St. Caro, MI 48723 9896732175 | Map A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating.