William Paul Galligan, 97, of Rochester, MN, died Thursday, August 13, 2020 of natural causes, at home surrounded by his family.

William, known as Bill or "Bud" by friends, was born September 28, 1922 in Elma, Iowa to Vincent and Myrtle (Kane) Galligan. He graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy in 1939 at age 16. He attended Iowa State Teachers College for one year. As a member of the Greatest Generation, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1947, spending three years in the South Pacific, and attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He took part in the invasions of Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Leyte, and Okinawa. After serving our country, he then graduated with a degree in accounting from Hamilton College.

On September 3, 1951, Bill married Mary Jo Lynaugh at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Simpson, MN. They made their home in Rochester, MN, where they raised three children. He was employed by IBM from 1956 until 1985 as an accounting department manager and later as a buyer. He was a founding member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, and longtime member of the Rochester Eagles Club.

Bill enjoyed all sports, especially bowling and golf – and still had an enviable golf game at age 95. He was an avid reader and a master of crossword puzzles. Sharp as a tack, he knew much about almost any topic. Bill enjoyed traveling throughout the country with Mary Jo, and spending time with family. Bill valued integrity and loyalty, and instilled those values in his family. He will be dearly missed.

Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Jo; son, Richard (Julie) Galligan of Shakopee, MN; daughters, Diane Mulcahy of West Des Moines, IA, and Maureen (Terry) Gintz of Rochester, MN; grandchildren, Daniel (Jonalyn) Mulcahy, Brian (Kerry) Mulcahy, Molly (Mike) Marino, and Ryan (Shannon Senescall) Galligan; step-grandchildren Meredith (Chris) McDonald and Chris Gipple; great-grandchildren, Sloane Mulcahy, Claire Mulcahy, Bobby Mulcahy, Gavin Mulcahy, and Emilia Marino; step-great-grandchildren Riley McDonald and Calvin McDonald; brother George Galligan; sister Mary Bode; and sister-in-law Pat Lynaugh. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Galligan; sons-in-law Robert Mulcahy and Ronald Gipple; brothers-in-law John Lynaugh and Charles Bode; and sisters-in-law Eleanor Galligan, Barbara Galligan, and Marie Galligan.

The memorial Mass for Bill will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, August 16, 2020 at St. Pius X Catholic Church with Rev. Russ Scepaniak officiating. Visitation will be held a half hour prior to the service. Please honor that face masks will be required, and social distancing will be observed.

Bill's family would like to express their gratitude to Father Russ Scepaniak for his friendship, and to Seasons Hospice for their care and compassion. Memorials are preferred to St. Pius X Catholic Church or Seasons Hospice