Tony E. Gaalema
February 20, 1951 ~ July 28, 2019
Tony E. Gaalema, 68, of Indianapolis, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 28, 2019. Born February 20, 1951 in Indianapolis, Tony was the son of the late Charles and LaVerne (Reinking) Gaalema.
Tony proudly served his country in the United States Army and was proud to be active in the American Legion and V.F.W. He worked for Pepsi as a route salesman for over 25 years. Tony loved all things sports related and was a devoted fan of Indiana University basketball, the Colts and Cubs. Most of all, Tony was a loving father, grandfather, and brother.
He is also preceded in death by his two brothers, Charles H. and Frank T. Gaalema; and his two sisters, Mary Anne Hopkins and Patricia Johnson.
Survivors include his daughter, Toni (Michael) Morris of Indianapolis; his sisters, Phyllis (Runnels) Fischer of Greenwood, Janice (Spencer) Worth of Indianapolis, Mary Jo Riffle of Noblesville, and Connie Gaalema of Florida; and four grandchildren, Brooklyn Bowling, Claire Morris, Emma Morris, and Anthony Joseph “A.J.” Morris.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Tony E. Gaalema from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 in the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis. The funeral service will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday in the funeral home. Burial will take place at Concordia Cemetery privately and at a later date. Visit www.OrileyFuneralHome.com where you may express online condolences to Tony’s family.
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Toni, Mike, Brooklyn, Claire, Emma and AJ, so sorry to learn of Tony’s passing. In my prayers and thoughts for sure.
I have so many memories of you my dear brother. I’m going to miss you as our birthdays roll around. We would help each other to celebrate our birthdays! You Patty and I would have so much fun going to different places and making each other feel special. You were special. Our little brother. We had fun when we were all together. From birthdays to a trip to New Orleans and getting together on Christmas. And times in between. I’m going to miss you. ߒ•
I am so very sorry for your loss. Tony was a great man and neighbor. I remember about three months after I started taking his trash down he sent me a huge cheesecake. I told him just thanking me was enough, but he said he wanted me to know how much he appreciated me. About a year later I started getting his mail as well. At Christmas he called me and said he accidentally got one of my packages again, but really he had bought me these gourmet cookies and candies. I cried because I thought it was just so sweet. I’m really going to miss him. Toni, I know I already told you this, but he was so proud of you when you graduated. He never said a lot but that day he went on and on and was smiling so big. Daisy Flohr-Hemond
I always enjoyed Tony’s company whether we were fishing, playing euchre, or just hanging out. Many wonderful memories of a good friend!
We had so much fun getting those bass just as the sun was coming up in the summer time. Tony was such a wonderful person to spend time with. Deepest sympathy from the Pfeiffers. Very sad time, but lots of happy memories with our friend:)
Tony wow! What can I say about this man this brother of mine? When we were young we got along really well . As we grew up and went our separate ways there seemed to be a switch that we flipped.. My life took me out of state out of the country I was only home for brief visits and there was an awkwardness between us. In the end it didn’t matter. He was my brother who was a big teaser . He only spoke when required. He was a quite man and we all will miss. May you rest in peace. Thank you for being my big brother. I loved you. I never said that much. Love Connie Sue.