Galen Smolik Sr

After a long arduous fight with cancer, Galen Richard Smolik, Sr., died at home June 26, 2016, under the loving care of his dedicated wife, Kathleen.

Galen was born June 26, 1944, in Mobridge, South Dakota, to Theodore and Anna Helen Dahlgren Smolik. Like many 19th Century immigrants from Sweden and the modern-day Czech Republic, Galen’s family were Midwestern homesteaders in South Dakota.

After high school, Galen earned a Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota School of Mines, and later a Master of Science degree from Iowa State University.

At Iowa State he met Kathleen Marian Betz and they were married August 23, 1969, in Ames, Iowa. After working at several scientific facilities, an opportunity at the INL brought the family to Idaho Falls. During his career he was awarded a US patent for engineering advanced neutron absorber materials. In 2006, after a 33-year career with INL, Galen retired.

Galen is survived by his wife, Kathleen of Idaho Falls; son, Galen R. Smolik, Jr. of Boise; two daughters, Sarah Smolik and Rachel (David) Sheets, both of Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Edwin, Anna, Jonas, Connor, and Sylvia; two brothers, T. James (Bonnie) Smolik and Ned (Gloria) Smolik; three sisters, Karla (Larry) Sprenger, Dorothy (Wes-deceased) Lynch, and Donna (Kelly) Chapman; sisters-in-law, Jeanette (Cy-deceased) Smolik and Philiphine (Vic-deceased) Smolik; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Clarence "Cy" and Victor; brother-in-law, Wes Lynch; and nephew, Matthew Smolik.

Galen excelled not only in his profession, but also as a craftsman and outdoorsman. Galen is remembered by friends and family for his applied chemistry outside the workplace, with amazing results of savory smoked salmon and hoppy microbrews. He enjoyed the peacefulness of fishing and meaningful times spent with children, grandchildren, son-in-law, and friends, whether at Palisades Reservoir, on the Snake River, at Birch Creek, with pike fishing friends at Wollaston Lake, Saskatchewan, or steelhead fishing with long-time friend, Lyle Dolven. He was so many things to so many people: ideal husband and father, devoted son, brother, uncle, and steadfast friend.

He never forgot his humble beginnings and held a reverence for all life. Galen practiced frugality for himself, yet was always generous to others. He was a gentleman and a gentle man. He loved planting flowers and working in his garden. He volunteered at the Idaho Falls Food Basket and Soup Kitchen and with his local Trouts Unlimited Chapter. His children recall, "Dad was always so appreciative of everything in life, but especially our mother’s homemade desserts."

Memorial Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 9, 2016, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge. The family will visit with friends from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. prior to services. A reception will be held at Wood Funeral Home following the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Eastern Idaho, 1810 Moran, Idaho Falls, ID 83401, or a charity of choice. The Smolik family would like to express appreciation for the wonderful care Galen received at Teton Cancer Institute and from Hospice of Eastern Idaho.

Memorial Services will be held