Harold J. Gallagher, 96, of Apple River passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Liberty Village, Freeport, with family by his side. He was born December 20, 1927, in Warren Township to William and Mary (Bourquin) Gallagher.

Harold married Ilene M. Dittmar on January 15, 1949, at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. She proceeded him in death on March 14, 1986. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he had served as an elder and trustee.

Harold worked at various jobs during his lifetime including Illinois Central Railroad, Atwood Manufacturing while also farming, and IL State Highway Dept. at Stockton for 21 years before retiring in 1991. He enjoyed visiting with family and friends, playing euchre, mowing, painting, going to auctions, dancing at Hideaway Acres and spending time at the Casinos with his companion of 33 years, Winnifred Luke, who passed May 13, 2024.

He is survived by his sons: Mark (Mary) Gallagher, Rock City, Greg (Joanne) Gallagher, Apple River, and his daughter Marcia (Ken) Thompson, Freeport; six grandchildren: Chris (Larissa) Gallagher, Jeremy Gallagher, Shaun (Anne) Gallagher, Erin (Gary) Conaway, Derek (Angel)Thompson, Ashley (Sam) Jorgenson, and eleven great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his wife, four brothers: Francis, Laverne, Leo, and Orville, and one sister Alberta.

Private family service will be held.

Burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery in Warren.

A memorial fund has been established in his name.

Special thanks to the staff at the memory unit at Liberty Village for their care and compassion during his stay.