It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Galen M. Waltman Jr., who was called Home to be with the Lord on April 22, 2026, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.

Born Jan. 8, 1963, Galen was the son of the late Galen M. and Patricia Smith Waltman Sr., whose love and guidance remained with him throughout his life. He often said, "The man upstairs always has a plan," a belief that guided his life and gave him strength through the most difficult times.

Galen was born and raised in Nescopeck along with his sister, Tracy Burnett, and brother, Tim Waltman. He graduated from Columbia Montour Vocational Technical School. After graduation, he relocated to Harveys Lake to begin a life with Trisha Waltman, the mother of his children; Galen III, Desirae and Jasmine. Having known each other since she was 15, they shared a lifelong bond and built a family that remained at the heart of his life.

Galen was employed for several years by Great Northern Press, Wilkes-Barre.

A devoted father, brother, uncle, grandfather, coach and mentor, Galen devoted his time, energy and heart into the lives of many young athletes. He was more than a coach — he was a guiding light. Through football and baseball, he taught not only the game, but the values of perseverance, discipline, and faith. He had a remarkable ability to see the potential in others, helping them believe in themselves and shaping not just to be better players, but stronger individuals in life.

Galen found peace in the outdoors, where he felt close to God. He had a deep love for hunting and fishing, a favorite place being Red Rock Mountain, where he could reflect, recharge, and take in the beauty of God's creation in nature. Those times were even more meaningful as he carried on the traditions and memories he shared with his father. He cherished sharing that same love of the outdoors with his son, Galen III, nephews, Ben and Corey, his daughters, Desirae and Jasmine, his grandchildren, and his companion, Lisa. Together, he and Lisa made many cherished memories camping, fishing, and traveling — doing what he loved most, surrounded by the people he loved most.

Through all of life's demands, Galen remained present where it mattered most. He attended, time and time again, every game, every milestone, and every moment he could share with his children and grandchildren. He cheered with pride, loved without limits, and found his greatest joy in watching his family grow. His love was steadfast, a reflection of the grace he carried.

Galen faced life's challenges and trials with courage, leaned on his faith in difficult times, and never lost sight of what truly mattered — loving others, doing what is right, and trusting in God's plan. Though he has been called Home, his legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, in the lives he touched, and the many he inspired. There is comfort in knowing he is now at peace in the presence of the Lord.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, was a nephew, Jacob Burnett.

He is survived by his children, Galen M. Waltman III and his spouse, Jennifer Walp; Desirae Waltman; and Jasmine Waltman and her spouse, Christopher Brodosky; his beloved grandchildren, Alyssa, Mason, Blake, Eyian, Jaxon, Luke, and Deegan; his companion, Lisa; Trisha Waltman; his brother, Tim Waltman and his spouse, Kim; his sister, Tracy Burnett and her spouse, Ed; along with nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Simplicity Cremation Care of NEPA.