Marguerite "Punkie" Galusha

Marguerite Yvonne “Punkie” (Brummett) Galusha passed away on Sunday, July 3rd, 2022, in Central City, at the age of 88. She was born to Chet and Yvonne (Murray) Brummet on November 16, 1933 in Silver Creek, Nebraska. Her family nickname “Punkie”, given to her by her father, stuck with her for the duration of her life. After the death of her mother at the age of three, Punkie enjoyed spending the summers with her grandparents in Chicago while her father worked as a lineman. She graduated from Silver Creek High School in 1951 and married Lowell Galusha on June 9th of 1951. She worked for Mabell Telephone Company in New York City after their marriage while Lowell was stationed overseas with the Air Force. After Lowell was honorably discharged from the military, the pair came to Central City and moved out to “the farm.” The couple welcomed three children: Michael (1956-), Jill (1960-2009), and Van (1965-). Chasing three children and a brood of turkeys on the farm kept Punkie busy, along with playing bridge, reading, and dancing (everything from ballroom to disco). After Lowell retired from the U.S. postal service, the couple traveled the world. Some of their favorite destinations were Egypt, Russia, Turkey, Spain, and their yearly trip to Las Vegas. Punkie lost Lowell in 1996 but honored him by continuing to travel. She met her “friend” Arnie in 2003 in Jerusalem while on a trip to Greece. She and Arnie lived together in both Florida and New York from that time on. The pair enjoyed Broadway shows and dancing until Punkie came home to Central City in May of 2022. Punkie was an independent woman who knew her own mind and desires; she wasn’t afraid to help pull a calf, chase a turkey, or rescue her son Mike from various dangerous situations. She was witty, sweet, sassy, and brought the “culture” to the family. She liked to laugh and cared deeply for her family. She tried hard to stay “up” with the technology of the time, sometimes to the frustration of everybody else trying to help her. Punkie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lowell, sister Dixie, and daughter Jill. She is survived by her sons Michael of Nashville, Tennessee and Van (Dorine) of Central City, along with Van’s sons Jared (Hannah) and Derek (Hilary) and five great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Solt-Wagner Community Room on Tuesday, July 12th from 5-7pm.

Marguerite "Punkie" Galusha

November 16, 1933 - July 3, 2022