James Gallagher, 88, formerly of Richardton, died Friday, February 5, 2021 at St. Benedict’s Heath Center, Dickinson. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial for James at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, February 11, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton with Fr. Thomas Wordekemper, OSB as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. There will be a military flag presentation by a member of the Richardton American Legion following the service at the cemetery. Visitation will be at Ladbury Funeral Service, on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with a rosary & vigil at 6:30 p.m., with Deacon Robert Bohn presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to service at the church.
James was born to William and Helen (Siepp) Gallagher, November 3, 1932, in Crosby. He was educated through high school and truly appreciated his teachers. He began working early on, after receiving his driver’s license at the age of 12. He had various jobs, but working for the Benedictine sisters became a life-long career. He started working for the Sisters in Crosby, then Minot and finally Richardton. It was in Minot, that he met his wife-to-be, Bertha Zerr. They were introduced by James’s sister-in-law, Lucille, and were married three months later. During their 45 years of marriage, they raised two daughters and enjoyed three grandchildren and a great-grandson.
Moving to Richardton in 1967 and making it their permanent home, they became life-long members of St. Mary Parish, as God and family were most important to James. He retired in his late 70’s and enjoyed fishing, raising a garden and canning the vegetables. He loved spending time with his family and the wonderful holiday meals they shared.
James is survived by his daughters, Janeane (Gerry) Kleinsasser and LeeAnn (Neil) Galster; grandchildren, James, Jennifer and Jessica; great-grandson, Bo; and brother, Vincent. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bertha (2009); his parents; and his siblings, Anthony, Daniel, Joseph, Emmanuel, Winifred, Cletus, Charles and Bernard (infant).
