Galen Bekaert

Galen Justin Bekaert, 66, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, at his home surrounded by the people who loved him most.

Galen was born on August 10, 1960, to Raymond and Marlene Bekaert. He was raised in Gary, South Dakota, where he graduated from high school. It was during his childhood in Gary, with encouragement from his mother, that Galen discovered his lifelong love of music. He began playing the piano and learned to sing “The Auctioneer,” a talent that would become a cherished part of who he was.

Some of Galen’s fondest memories were of his days playing in the band and providing entertainment at dances in Gary. He carried those memories with him throughout his life and loved reminiscing about his childhood and the people and places that shaped him. Even in his later years, he continued to talk about his hometown and the happy memories he made there until frontotemporal dementia eventually took away his voice and gift of music.

Galen also had a natural talent for electronics. After high school, he found his calling in learning the ins and outs of electronics and turned that talent into a fulfilling career. He worked as a technical support engineer for Sanford Hospital for thirty years, a job he truly loved, before finishing his career at Daktronics.

Galen was a devoted father and grandfather. He was married to Julie Nieman, and together they welcomed their daughter and his only child, Jessica, who was his pride and joy. Later in life, his grandchildren, Grayson and Julia Bentz, became an incredible source of happiness for him. He loved singing with them, teaching them the piano and guitar. There was no hiding the emotion in his eyes whenever they walked into the room.

Those who knew Galen will remember him as the life of the party—a man who could bring laughter into any room and make the people around him feel at home. He had a gift for making memories and a personality that was impossible to forget.

Galen is grateful to have shared his life with his daughter, Jessica Bentz (Chris); his grandchildren, Grayson and Julia Bentz; his mother, Marlene Bekaert; his brothers, Bill Bekaert and Gene Bekaert; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family members and loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond “Ray” Bekaert, and his brother, Doyle Bekaert.

Galen will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His laughter, music, stories, and love for his family will live on in the memories of those he leaves behind.