Michael John Galer, Jr.

Michael John Galer, Jr., 70, passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at his home in Lockwood, Missouri. He was born in Fort Worth, Texas, October 14, 1951 to Marjorie Shafer Galer and Michael John Galer. Mike was proud to be in an Air Force family where he enjoyed living in many locations: Torrejon Air Base, Madrid Spain; Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska; and Ellsworth Air Force Base, Rapid City, South Dakota. He graduated from Drake University with a degree in Business and Economics.

During his college years, he worked summers in Estes Park, Colorado. This is where he met his wife, Renee Lemons, in the summer of 1973. Mike and Renee were married December 29, 1974. They returned to Estes Park in 1975 after Renee completed college at the University of Missouri and they purchased The Copper Penny. This was their introduction to the resort and souvenir industry.

In 1980, they purchased screen printing equipment to print shirts and caps for the Copper Penny. Mike preferred screen printing to retail sales so they sold the Copper Penny and moved to Lockwood in 1983. Prairie Mountain has grown to be one of the leading suppliers to National Parks and resort areas across the United States.

Mike’s mind was never at rest; he was constantly thinking of new products or tweaking colors in designs to make an item better than just okay.
Prairie Mountain is a group of extremely hard-working individuals. Their printing expertise, embroidery knowledge, warehouse and production skills, customer service and art have developed Prairie Mountain into a company Mike was extremely proud of. Renee and her family would like to thank this amazing group of people.

Through the years, Mike and Renee also opened Prairie Mercantile outlet store and Prairie Station restaurant which includes another group of talented individuals.

Mike loved Lockwood and through the years was a part of the Lockwood Fire Department, The Lockwood Chamber of Commerce, and the Dade County Health Development which worked to get the Mercy Clinic built and staffed in Lockwood.

He loved his two daughters, Leslie, and Erika, more than anything in the world. He supported all their interests as they grew up whether it was barrel racing horses, softball pitching lessons, volleyball, basketball, water, and snow skiing. Mike encouraged them to see the world.

During the past six years Mike was blessed with some special people in his life: Brent Crawford, April Spaulding, Dani Gamble, Lisa Baker, Adrian Crawford, and Kyle Freyburger. These individuals were an extension of Mike and helped him with anything he required. They became family we could not live without.
Mike was extremely fortunate to have a family of brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws that would try to accomplish anything Mike wanted. Between recovery in Denver, driving the van across Kansas, checking out venues for easy access, they spent countless hours at activities Mike wanted to do.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at the Lockwood United Methodist Church. A private family graveside service was held in Lockwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lockwood Chamber of Commerce or to the Lockwood Community Foundation for Community Development.
Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com. Services are under the care of Lockwood Funeral Chapel.