Nathaniel (Than) Lee Galarneau, age 69, of Overland Park, Kansas died peacefully on January 26, 2026. He was born November 6, 1956, in Price Utah.
Than attended high school in Forsyth, Montana and graduated from Underwood High School in Underwood, North Dakota in 1976. Soon after, he met the love of his life, Candice and were married in Turtle Lake, North Dakota in 1982. He worked as a Boilermaker in the construction industry until 1987. Through hard work and dedication, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota in 1989. He spent the next 28 years as a Mechanical Engineer at Burns & McDonnell and Black & Veatch; both engineering firms located in the Kansas City area.
Than was a loving husband, a cherished family member, and a friend to many. Throughout his life, he touched the hearts of everyone who knew him with his kindness, generosity, and always ready to lend a helping hand.
Than will be remembered for his heartwarming laugh, his talent for forming meaningful connections with people, and his deep affection for animals, especially his cherished cats, Bindi girl, and Manny boy. He loved spending time in the great outdoors, particularly fishing expeditions with his father-in-law Fred. He loved art and music, assembling models, creating fly-fishing lures, golfing with friends, and service to the community, through volunteering with the “Christmas in October” organization to help rebuild houses, lives, and neighborhoods in the Kansas City metro area. He was also a dedicated Chief’s and Royals fan, but most of all loved North Dakota State University “Bison” Football.
Than is survived by his loving wife, Candice Galarneau, of Overland Park, Kansas Sister Gail Galarneau of Salt Lake City, Utah Brother Mike Galarneau of Billings, Montana Nephews Matthew Morrison and Dene Galarneau of Salt Lake City, Utah Niece, Diana Uctdorf of Phoenix, Arizona Mother-in-law, Gertie, of Shawnee, Kansas
Sister-in-law, Ardythe Kurle, Bismarck, North Dakota Nephew Shawn Kurle, Washburn, North Dakota Sister-in-law, Brenda (Bob) Youness, Shawnee, Kansas Niece Liz (Jon) Zimmerman, Shawnee, Kansas Nephew Jonathan (Jeana) Youness, Fargo, North Dakota, along with seven grand-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sister Diana, mother June, and father Leo D. Galarneau and other beloved family members.
A memorial service will be held later in Turtle Lake, North Dakota.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Wayside Waifs Animal Shelter in Grandview, Missouri, www.waysidewaifs.org or Trinity Lutheran Church, 515 Kundert St., Turtle Lake, ND 58575.
John 3:16 (NIV)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 11:25 (NIV)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.
The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose,
for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us. – Helen Keller
I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with you
And then I realized… you spent the rest of your life with me
I smile because I know you loved me
till the day you went away
And will keep loving me…
till the day we’re together again.