Martin Gilbert Migala

Martin Gilbert ”Gil” Migala passed away on Monday, March 27, 2017 Gil was born in Chicago, IL, January 14, 1938 to Martin and Lucille (Tremba) Migala. After graduating from St. Joseph High School, Gil proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Afterwards, Gil worked for the Whirlpool Corporation for several years before being lured into the family floor covering business which was started by his uncle and father in 1912. Gil bought the business from his uncle in 1967 and oversaw its growth until his retirement in 2011. In April of 2000, Gil married Marian (Dove) Franklin. He will be sadly missed by his son Jeff (Julie) Migala of St. Joseph and his daughter Julie Migala of Madison, AL; stepsons John (Susan) Franklin of Midlothian, VA; Mark Franklin of Gillette, WY; Scott (Anne) Franklin of Denver, CO and his stepdaughter Tina Sassano of Stevensville, MI. Gil also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Gil is also survived by his sisters Karen (Jerry) Gunning of Cincinnati, OH; Diane (Joe) Petlick of St. Joseph; brother Bill Migala of St. Joseph; step brothers Kent (Alda) Walton of Arlington, TX; Branch (Debbie) Walton of Florida; step sister Beth Jones of Benton Harbor, MI; and brother-in-law Bill Rickel of St. Joseph. Gil was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Dolores Rickel and his daughter Angie Migala. Gil took great entrepreneurial pride in being a business owner and member of his local Chamber of Commerce. Gil filled his spare time with various activities such as bowling, volleyball, hunting, skiing, golf and softball, which included a Men’s Class B state title. He was very passionate about his involvement in the Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC) of which he was a very active member of the board of directors. He was also active in the St. Joseph Catholic Church as well as a 4th degree knight in the Knights of Columbus (Council 13942). Gil also had a passion for genealogy which sometimes found him huddled in Salt Lake City Family History Library for hours upon hours and days upon days. The family invites friends to visit with Gil’s family on Sunday, April 2 at Starks-Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd, St. Joseph from 3-5pm. Rosary will be recited at 4:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, April 3, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 11a.m with Very Rev. Robert Creagan officiating.  Memorial donations may be made in Gil’s name to the Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC) or St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Those wishing to sign Gil’s memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Interment will take place at a later date. Na zdrowie! Go Cubs!