John Anthony Gaal, fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, on Monday, December 2, 2024 at the age of 81. John was born to the late John and Susan (nee Wagner) Gaal on December 5, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri.
He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in his youth and attended St. Mary’s High School. John received a degree in Civil Engineering from St. Louis University in 1964 followed by a Masters in Civil Engineering at the University of Missouri – Rolla. He spent 36 years as a civil engineer with the US Army Corps of Engineers and returned to work shortly after retirement as a consultant and educator guiding the next generation of engineers.
In 1968, he married the love of his life, Dolores, and together they raised three daughters. He loved being a dad and cherished time as a family above all else. He had the most fun being a grandfather to his many grandsons.
Back in the day John loved spending time with friends playing golf and going to Cardinal football games. More recently, he was a member of the Single Malt Society and met monthly with them to sample and discuss various scotches. He was also very involved with the Saint Anthony Food Pantry, delivering countless donations to them over the years.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Dolores Gaal (nee Westfall). His three daughters: Jennifer (Jack) Chalstrom, Melissa Carter and Amy (Jason) Zellers. He was the loving “PawPaw” of Ethan and Reid Carter, Nick Chalstrom, John and Benjamin Zellers and the late Owen Carter. Dear brother of the late Irene (Clarence) Kremer and Robert (Deloris) Gaal. Dear uncle, great uncle and friend to many.
Services: Visitation at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church, 4900 Ringer Road, Tuesday December 10th at 10:00am. Mass to follow at 11:00am. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to “St. Anthony Food Pantry”, 3140 Meramec, St. Louis, MO 63118 or online at St. Anthony’s Food Pantry – St. Louis or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Kutis South County service.
Gosh, I did not realize that he and my Dad really were lifelong friends.
May he rest in peace. I have such fond memories of both of your parents. They were truly the greatest godparents.
I blame them both for my travel bug. They bought me my very first suitcase!
Please send your Mom all of my love.
Please accept my most sincere condolences.
I am so sorry I did not know in time to attend Mass. You could always count on a smile from John. He actually worked at the same bldg as my husband, Neal, for years. And then, of course, there were all the memories at SMMA. Dolores, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.