Galen D. Hershberger

Galen D. Hershberger, 59, of Middlebury, died at IU Health Goshen Hospital after a hard-fought battle with cancer, in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 6. Galen was born on June 27th, 1955 to Martin and Dorothy Hershberger, the youngest of four brothers. He attended Goshen High School, where he was a standout wrestler from 1970-1973. After studying at Indiana University for a time, Galen spent his young adulthood active in the Goshen Jaycees, devoting much of his energies to helping others through that organization. In 1982 Galen took co-ownership, with his brother Dale, of Hershberger Heating, the business founded by their father 16 years prior. He continued as co-owner and repair tech until his illness took his ability to do so. On November 12, 1993 Galen married Lynda Snyder in Ixtapa, Mexico. Their 21 year marriage was not only a blessing to them, but to all who knew them; a couple perfectly suited to each other, totally devoted to each other, and unwaveringly in love with each other. That devotion and love was most evident at the end of Galen's life, when he needed it most. Galen loved to travel, and did so as often as possible. With Lynda by his side, Galen experienced the beauty of the Caribbean over numerous trips around the region. His travels took him to Ireland, Australia, St. Marteen, Costa Rica, Belize, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. An avid golfer, Galen played at some of the finest courses in the US, and was a member of Maplecrest Country Club in Goshen. He was also a dedicated football fan, immersing himself in NFL Sundays and college Saturdays. While Galen and Lynda had no children, they have been deeply loved by their nieces and nephews. Uncle Galen's house has long been a place of rest and comfort, the home of a true friend to them all. Galen's spirit was one of hospitality and caring to all who knew him. He loved few things more than to host gatherings of friends and family, graciously sharing his home, a helping of backyard cooking, and a cold drink. He is survived by Lynda, brothers Ken (Sue) of Elkhart, Dale (Deb) of Goshen, and Wayne (Carrie) of Miami, FL, and his mother, Dorothy, of Goshen, as well as his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Martin. Galen was a member of First United Methodist Church, Middlebury. While cancer stole Galen's life, it did not defeat him. Galen showed that even in the face of a death sentence, there can be hope, peace, and dignity. Friends may call Sunday, Dec. 21 from noon until 1:45 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A 2 p.m. memorial service will follow, conducted by Pastor Ron Russell. Galen donated his body to the I.U. Medical School, Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to United Cancer Services of Elkhart County or Wounded Warrior Project.