Galen Walter Heyne

Galen Walter Heyne

June 19, 1987 - February 18, 2024

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Obituary

MCFARLAND - Galen Walter Heyne, DVM, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024.  He was born June 19, 1987, in Fairbanks, Alaska, and grew up mostly in Winona, Minnesota, not far from where his mother was raised on a dairy farm outside Caledonia.  He received his bachelor’s degree in Biology, his master’s degree in Microbiology, and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin.  


He met his wife, Becky, while they were both undergrads at UW, through the men’s and women’s club volleyball teams.  They bonded over their love of science, music, and good food and drink. While in graduate school he was co-author of several published articles in ophthalmological research.  He was selected as class speaker by his graduating cohort for vet school, and was a practicing vet for four years.  He initially worked at Spay Me Clinic, and most recently at Badger Veterinary Hospital in Cambridge. Galen was a loving and dedicated father to his two daughters, and chose to spend what little free time he had with his family.

 

Galen is survived by his wife, Becky Wachowiak (partner for 15 years, married in 2016); and daughters, Aurora “Rory” Louise Heyne (age 4) and Isabel “Izzy” Margaret Heyne (age 2).  He is also survived by his mother, Joyce Burmester; his father and stepmother, Eric Heyne and Alexandra Fitts; father- and mother-in-law, Brad and Margi Wachowiak; sister, Annabel Heyne; grandmothers, Julianna Heyne and Arlette Wachowiak; sister-in-law, Meggie Wachowiak; brother-in-law, Zack (Lisa) Wachowiak; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins on both sides; and many friends, colleagues and volleyball teammates.

 

A memorial gathering to celebrate Galen’s life will be held at CHRISTY’S LANDING, 2952 Waubesa Ave., Madison, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, 2024.For planning purposes, please RSVP at (tinyurl.com/ycpf6twd). For best results copy and paste link into chosen web browser.


If you would like more information or would like to help, please visit Galen’s GoFundMe page at (tinyurl.com/3dv7ap24)


Donations in his memory may be made to Not One More Vet (www.nomv.org/).


If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.  Call or text 988 or chat (988lifeline.org). For best results copy and paste link into chosen web browser.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420



 



Events

03
Celebration of Life
Sun Mar 3, 2024 @ 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
Christy's Landing • 2952 Waubesa Avenue, Madison, WI 53711
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KJ
Krissy Johnson
Other •
I only had the honor of meeting Galen once, as I frantically tried to find a Vet to help tend to my dog after his dew claw somehow got ripped out. My dog wouldn’t walk on that paw and we were worried. Dr Galen to the rescue! He was not our primary vet, and yet his calm presence, and down to earth personality immediately put us at ease. The same was true for our Cocker Spaniel, Jordy. It was as if Jordy “knew” Dr Galen was there to help, and was reassured by his gentle approach. After Dr Galen did an x-ray of Jordys paw, he walked us back into the teams work area to show us the films, educated us on a fracture in the bone behind the dew claw and made sure we knew exactly how to care for our pup. I later learned he was the husband of a colleague. This was a fun “small world” realization. Dr Galen will always be the hero who attended to our dog and also our panicked parent hearts. Thinking of you all and sending so much love and prayers your way!
LL
Linda Low
Other •
Dr. Galen was one of nicest people I have known. His kind, gentle treatment of our special needs dog was apparent from day one when he sat on the floor with Riley to ease his anxiety. You could tell he loved animals. We always talked about volleyball when we were in the clinic. My heart goes out to every animal whose lives he made better. To all of the pet parents, we have lost a wonderful human.
A
Anonymous
Other •
Thinking of you and all our great memories together. Love, your forever UW Club Volleyball Family
LB
Lauren Baker
Other •
Though we both attended UW for graduate and veterinary school, I didn't get to know Galen until I transferred my pets to his care at Badger Veterinary Hospital. Galen was one of the good ones. This is such a loss to the veterinary community, and my heart breaks for his family. Galen went out of his way for me many times, as he did for so many others I am sure. I remember when my daughter was a newborn, I suddenly remembered my very indoor cat was late on her rabies vaccine, and I was very anxious about it, my postpartum brain coming up with all kinds of scenarios for how she would catch rabies in my basement and pass it to the baby. So of course I made appointments for both cats on the same day, because my other cat was due as well. Well, there was a terrible snowstorm that day, but postpartum anxious brain was going to get those cats to the clinic no matter what. Until Galen called, and he offered/insisted on coming to my house. He came and he took care of everything, doing their exams and vaccines on my dining room table. This meant so much to me. I was so grateful at the time and still touched by his kindness. He was just always willing to go out of his way. I am so sorry to his family. I will miss him very much.
TN
Tammy Neumeister
Other •
Dr Galen was a wonderful kind human. He helped so many of our special fur babies at Community Cat. He was so very appreciated and will be missed. Condolences to his family.
JB
Jastrab family all of their fur babies
Other •
Our family is so sad to hear this news. Dr. Galen took care of my elderly dog when I came home to take care of my elderly dad when he entered home hospice. My sister highly recommended him. He had cared for several dogs in our family. Dr. Galen took extra time to review my dog’s x-ray with me and explain exactly what was going on. He was so empathetic about my dad and his expertise in stabilizing my dog was so appreciated at a difficult time. I remember thinking to myself, “He is really a great vet and a kind person.” He will be missed by so many—humans and furry friends alike.

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