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

Galen Walter Heyne

June 19, 1987 - February 18, 2024

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