Galen Christopher

Galen Don Christopher, 87, of Alden, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center. He was born on July 9, 1938, in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Earl and Inez (Sloss) Christopher.

Galen moved to Alden when he was 13 and went on to graduate from Mancelona High School. He then obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from GMI (General Motors Institute). Shortly after, Galen began what would turn out to be over a 30-year career at the GM Plant in Flint, retiring in 1991 as a production manager. He and his wife retired to Pentwater for several years before building their dream log home in Alden which was completed in 2000.

Galen loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting essentially anything he could; deer, bear, moose, and caribou to name a few. When he wasn’t hunting, he was planning for the next hunting season or reloading his own ammo. He also frequently watched pretty much all sports on TV, but football, hockey, and basketball were some of his favorites.

Galen is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Helen Christopher; three children, Michael (Lori) Christopher of Flushing, MI, Michele (Scott) Kart of Alden, and Kimberly (Timothy) Routowicz of Alden; fourteen grandchildren, Eric (Ashley) Christopher, Ashley Christopher (Joshua Massimino), Brent (Casey) Hagy, Tyler (Chelsea) Hagy, Trevor (Paige) Hagy, Christopher Kart, Katelyn Kart, Timothy (Amy) Routowicz, Jonah (Erin) Routowicz, Aubrey Routowicz (fiancé Gabe Peña), Sarina (Adam) Ranville, Gabriel Routowicz, Blaine Routowicz, and Lillian Routowicz; fifteen great-grandchildren, Maxwell, Sophia, Henry, Zeke, Aaron, Ella, Mia, Bo, Dax, MaryJane, Evelyn, Emerson, Isabelle, Lucy, and Benjamin; two half-brothers, Mark Christopher and Mike Christopher; several nieces and nephews, including his hunting buddy Bryan Barnaby; and his dear Yorkie, Mickey, who has been part of the family for ten years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Inez Christopher; his step-mother, Vera Christopher; his mother-in-law, Helen Baird; and his father-in-law, Charles Baird.

A funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 12:00. Galen will be laid to rest next to his mother in Helena Township Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements are in the care of the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com