Fred Galus

Fred Galus, 68, of Crystal Lake, passed away on September 13, 2011, in Holland, MI. Fred was born on August 23, 1943 to Stanley and Stella Galus, in Chicago. Fred graduated from Holy Trinity High School in Chicago and St. Edward's University in Austin, TX. He was working to complete his Master's Degree at Northern Illinois University when he entered the Illinois National Guard. In 1967, he married his wife, Pat, and they began establishing their family. As their children grew and began involvement in competitive sports, Fred became a baseball, football, basketball and softball coach in the Schaumburg Athletic Association and the Barrington Youth Program. His warmth, enthusiasm and genuine love of sports and children made him a favorite with the boys and girls he coached. He was, for many years, an executive with the Cooperative Marketing Company until he left to establish his own company, Excel Direct. He and his business partner and friend, Jim Paton, worked tirelessly to establish a thriving company. Many of Fred's clients consider themselves personal friends, and all of his coworkers have been with him for many years. The same qualities that made him a great coach also made him a great boss and coworker. Fred's greatest accomplishment was his family. As a husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather, his love and level of caring was unparalleled. He derived tremendous pleasure from every activity and achievement of every family member. They are his lasting legacy. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Patricia "Pat"; cherished children, Laura Kelleher, David (Elizabeth Mueller) Galus, Melissa (Albert) Belle and Jeffrey (Margaret "Meg") Galus; adored grandchildren, Kathryn Kelleher, Margaret Kelleher, Ryan Kelleher, Cecilia Belle, Bianca Belle and Tatiana Belle; brother, James (Phyllis) Galus; brother-in-law, Charles (Carolyn) Skibo; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Fred was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m., Sunday, September 18, 2011, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 W. Main St., Barrington, IL 60010. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, September 19, 2011, at SS. Peter and Paul, Cary, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, www.mercyhome.org, 1-877-631-2955. For information please contact Davenport Family Funeral Home, 847-381-3411. For online condolences please visit www.davenportfamily.com