Galen Norval Pitkin, a lifelong resident of Clear Lake, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. He was 84 years old.
Born on May 27, 1940, to Norval and Doris (Conibear) Pitkin, Galen grew up in Clear Lake, where he attended Clear Lake High School, graduating with the Class of 1958.
On June 21, 1959, Galen married Marlys Johnson in Swaledale, Iowa. They were blessed with four sons; Ron, Dennis, Kevin, and Ken.
His strong work ethic led him to operate the Standard Station on HWY 18 from 1960 to 1968, until he was given the opportunity to carry on his family’s legacy by moving to the family farm with his wife and young family.
On August 12, 1989, he married Cecelia Sinnwell LaBarge at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City, and together their two families became one.
Galen was an active member of his community and devoted his time to several organizations. He served on the FHA Board and the ASC Committee, both for a few years, and spent six years on the board of the North Iowa Co-Op. He was also a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church.
An avid outdoorsman, Galen found great joy in hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling. He also enjoyed playing cards, marbles, and reading. A passionate supporter of Clear Lake athletics, he was a lifelong fan of the Clear Lake Lions and attended countless games over the years.
For over 30 years, Galen faithfully drove a school bus route for Clear Lake, forming connections with generations of students. He especially cherished the time he spent driving his grandchildren on his route, never missing an opportunity to spoil them along the way. In addition to his regular route, he frequently drove the Lions for athletic events across the conference.
He is survived by his wife, Cecelia; sons, Ron (Pam) Pitkin, Dennis (Jolene) Pitkin, Kevin (Ruth) Pitkin, and Ken (Deanna) Pitkin; Cecelia’s children, Jeffrey (Sonja) LaBarge, Randy (Danette) LaBarge; Lorie Buseman and her significant other, Scott; son in law, Brian Schmidke; grandchildren, Kristen (Dustin), Ashley (Joseph), Austin, Samantha, Jessica (Drew), Ben (Dusten), Brent (Kezia), Jorden (Tori), Kaitlyn, Olivia, Travis, Eric, Steve, Shawn, Brittney, Adam, Alex (Lacey), and Alayne; 17 great grandchildren; sister, Judy Ytzen; and sister in law, Sandy Pitkin.
Galen is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marlys; step daughter, Tammy Schmidke; son in law, Steve Buseman; brother, David Pitkin; and brother in law, Donald Ytzen.
A funeral service will be held 10:30 am Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave. N., Clear Lake. Burial will follow in the Clear Lake Cemetery.
Galen’s family will greet relatives and friends Tuesday evening, February 18, from 5 pm until 7 pm at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave. N., Clear Lake. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Wednesday.
Galen’s family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff of Oakwood Care Center for the love, kindness, and compassion you showed Galen over the past 11 years. Your unwavering dedication and care provided him with comfort, dignity, and a true sense of home.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Avenue N., Clear Lake. (641)357-2193. ColonialChapels.com