Edward R. Galles, 92, of Custer, SD, died on October 27, 2017, at the Custer Regional Hospital in Custer. Ed was born on May 26, 1925, in Superior, WI, to Paul and Francis Galles. He attended schools in Superior, and entered the Military Service in September 1942. He served in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II; from the Southern Pacific to Japan. Also served during the Berlin Airlift, Korean War, and Cold War. Ed retired from the US Air Force in May 1964 with 21 plus years of service. He worked in the Meteorological Field for 47 years. As a Flight Crew Member, on Weather Recon Missions, he flew into the eye of 7 typhoons in the Pacific. His specialty fields of work were Aircraft Mechanic and Flight Engineer, Meteorological Technician in ground and upper air observations, Air Crew Member – collecting weather and typhoon data and atomic radiation data, and Electronic Equipment and Weather Radar Specialist.

He was associated with the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology for 10 years, and other companies in Meteorological Fields of Research and Weather Modification Operations for approximately 20 years. His job locations were in South Dakota, North Dakota, California, Utah, Texas, Kansas, and foreign countries of Libya, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, and Turkey. Ed also worked in Civil Service of the US Government; and served on the City Counsel and was Mayor of Custer, SD. He farmed and ranched at Newell, SD for a short period of time. He and his spouse, Pauline, whom he married on December 17, 1947, enjoyed traveling throughout Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the United States during working years and after retirement.

Ed was a member of the parishes of Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedrals in Rapid City, St. Johns in Custer, St. Francis in Sturgis, and Star of the Sea in Newell. Organizations that he held memberships in are the Knights of Columbus, and Life Memberships in the VFW and DAV.

He was preceded in death by his son Tim, a Vietnam Veteran; a daughter Judy, granddaughter Candi, and great-great grandson Lathan; his parents, and a brother and sister.

Survivors include his wife Pauline of Custer, with whom he shared 70 years of blissful marriage; daughter Sandra and her husband Wayne, Leavenworth, KS; son Les, Aberdeen, SD; son Tony and wife Lorrie, Rapid City, SD; son Steve and wife Tammy, Rapid City, SD; daughter Sue and husband Evan, Custer; daughter Patti and husband Rich, Custer; 19 grandchildren and their spouses; 34 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren living in various parts of the United States.

Memorial Mass will be at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Rapid City on Friday, November 3, 2017, at 10:00 a.m.; committal services and internment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m., with full Military Honors provided by the United States Air Force.