Joel Galloway

1936 - 2025

Joel Galloway
Northport Michigan
May 5, 2025
Joel David Galloway, 88, of Northport, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, May 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Joel was born on July 11, 1936, in Carroll, Iowa, the son of Benjamin McFadden and Rose Agnus (McGowan) Galloway. On August 1, 1964, in Clear Lake, Iowa, he married his best friend and love of his life, Janice Ellen Galloway, who preceded him in death on February 8, 2023.
A proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, Joel volunteered to serve during the Korean War periodan early sign of his integrity and courage. He often described himself as a "Depression Era Baby," living a life rooted in humility, practicality, and selflessness, always with a sense of humor. He was a leader of competence, character, and courage, leading by example, always guided by a strong moral compass and deep patience. Joel's unwavering support for those in need reflected the empathy and dignity that shaped every part of his life.
Joel's love for family led him down the path of education, versus numerous industry opportunities. After completion of schooling, including his PhD at the University of Illinois, he and Jan struck out for Corvallis, where he served as Department Head of Engineering at Oregon State University, maintaining a professional career and hobby farm. Raising 4-H animals alongside his children, he instilled in them the values of hard work, responsibility, and care for living things. He was also a writer and published author of Peephole, a novel about a spy in his hometown during wartime. His passion for storytelling began early; he proudly earned first place in the sixth-grade Little Penmanship Contest, his first of many accomplishments.
A respected educator and innovator, Joel served as Dean Emeritus of the College of Technology at Ferris State University, where he helped guide the school's transformation from Ferris College to Ferris State University. His visionary leadership brought industry and education together, shaping programs that prepared students to meet real-world needs. After retirement from FSU, he served as an industrial liaison for the University of Michigan and served as the Director of Charter Schools for the State of Michigan by request of Governor Engler.
After a remarkable career, Joel retired to Northport with Janice, where they found joy in life's simple pleasures sailing the Great Lakes, watching birds, spending time with family, and always enjoying a good, inexpensive scotch at the end of the day.
Joel is survived by his three children, John (Patricia) Galloway, Anne (Larry) Anderson, and Matthew Galloway; his cherished dog, Howitzer "Howie"; his sisters, Sarah (Neil) Kruse and Judy (Tom) Peterson; and five grandchildren, Shauna, Connor, and Megan Galloway, and Megan and Kristina Anderson. He is also fondly remembered by the beloved family dogsArchie, Winston, Tracy, Daisy, Maggie, and Oakley and cat, Lenny.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Molly, loving wife of 58 years, Janice; brothers Alvin and Bill Galloway; sister Rosanne Phillips; and his parents, Benjamin and Rose Galloway.
A celebration of Joel's life will be held at Hemlock Park Pavilion on Sunday, May 18th, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a luncheon to follow. Please bring your stories to share.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the National Diabetes Association or the National Kidney Foundation.
Please share condolences and memories with Joel's family at www.martinson.info.
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.