Robert “Bob” “Calhoun” James Galvin Sr. Age 80, of Birchwood, WI, died Sunday, June 9, 2024 at his home.

He was born on October 27, 1943 in Rice Lake, WI to Robert and Norma (Christensen) Galvin.

Following graduation from Birchwood High School, Birchwood, WI, Robert enlisted in the United States Air Force. His assignments took him to every continent except Antarctica. Following basic training at Lackland AFB TX he was assigned to that base in permanent party status and worked primarily in Human Resources and security clearance processing of basic trainees selected for technical schools. He was also stationed in Libya, Japan, MN, MD, Phillipines, Germany, Canada, MS, CA, TX, FL, GA, MI and ND. His primary Air Force specialty code was in information management with a secondary in Human Resources. As a courier he traveled to U.S. embassies in Israel, England, Italy, Vietnam, Japan and many other countries. Robert also worked outside of his primary specialty as recruiter, drill instructor and advisor. Military awards and decorations include the AF Meritorious Service Award; AF Commendation Medal; AF Presidential Unit Citation; AF Outstanding Unit Award; AF Achievement Medal; AF Organizational Excellence Award; AF Good Conduct Medal with Nine Oak Leaves; SW Asia Medal and National Defense Medal; NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon, short and long overseas tour ribbons; Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; AF Longevity Service Ribbon; AF Training Ribbon; Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm and Vietnam Campaign Ribbon. Robert received his associate of applied science degree in administrative management from Inver Hills Community College, Inver Grove Heights, MN; his associate in arts in management from the Community College of the Air Force; and a bachelor of science degree in information systems from the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. He is a graduate of the senior noncommissioned officer academy. Bob was married to Louise Galvin to whom he had 3 sons, and later married Mary Anderson Drabek on September 20, 2019 in Ladysmith, WI. Following 30 years of USAF service, Robert retired and moved to the country near his hometown, Birchwood, WI. He worked as a substitute teacher for several years in the Birchwood area school systems. He belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; AF Sergeants Association; the American Legion; and the United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Galvin; 2 sons, Robert Galvin Jr and Eric Galvin; 2 grandchildren, Sara (Aaron) Heidebrink and Aidan Galvin; 2 step daughters, Rachelle Riedelsperger and April Hughes; 3 step grandchildren, Savannah Riedelsperger-Moriarity, Layla Hughes and Madeleine Hughes; 3 sisters, Arlene Lakken, Gail Edwardson, and Linda Williams; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, David Galvin; father, Robert Galvin; mother and stepfathers and Norma (Wayne) Sweet and Odin Edwardson; siblings, Carol Fawley, Thomas Edwardson and Michael Galvin.

A celebration of life will be held from 4-7PM Tuesday, June 11, 2024 and from 10-11AM Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI with interment in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Birchwood, WI at 11:45AM Wednesday.

Last Update: Jun 10, 2024 6:01 pm CDT