Alfredo “Fred” Gallegos, a cherished member of the Blackfoot community, peacefully passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 92. Surrounded by his devoted wife and children, Fred bid farewell in the comfort of his own home. Born on September 16, 1931, in Loma, Colorado, Fred was the son of Joseph Enrico Gallegos and Eufricia Florence Belarde Gallegos.
Raised by his stepfather, Jose Guron, Fred spent his formative years in Nyssa, Oregon, where he received his education. At the age of 19, in 1950, Fred answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Army. He bravely served in both Germany and Korea, earning the Purple Heart in 1952 for injuries sustained during his service in Korea.
On September 5, 1952, Fred married Katherine Lucero in Caldwell, Idaho, while on leave from their respective duties. Following his honorable discharge from the military, Fred and Katherine settled in Blackfoot, where they embarked on a journey together that spanned over seven decades.
Fred’s professional life included working on various farms from Springfield to Aberdeen before joining Nonpareil as a shift supervisor, where he remained until his retirement. An avid woodworker and adventurer, Fred found joy in tinkering in his garage and spending quality time with his family at gatherings and activities.
Fred is survived by his loving wife of over 71 years, Katherine Gallegos, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, as well as his brother, Gilbert Gallegos, and two special nephews, John Lucero and Paul Lucero.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jose Enrico Gallegos, his mother and stepfather, Eufricia and Jose Giron, his sons-in-law, Carl H. Bird and Jeffrey L. Crezee, as well as his grandchildren, Eric Gallegos and Evan Gallegos, and his siblings, John, Leo, Lucy, Viola, Sam, Arthur, Danny, and Lena.
Funeral services for Fred Gallegos will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at noon at Hawker Funeral Home, 132 S. Shilling Avenue, Blackfoot. The family will gather with friends at five o’clock on the same day. The funeral home will be open for visitation on Monday, March 4, 2024. Following the service, Fred will be laid to rest at Grove City Cemetery.
In honor of Fred’s memory, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or any veteran support organization of choice. Fred’s legacy of love, service, and dedication to his family and community will forever be cherished and remembered.
