Galen Thomas Opstad died on Monday, November 30, 2009 at his home in Iowa City from an epilepsy seizure. Galen was born on a beautiful spring day on March 20, 1984 in Alexandria, Virginia. He made Iowa City his home upon arriving to start college; enjoying the people, spirit and sense of community he found there.

Galen graduated from Indianola High School and earned his BA from the University of Iowa this past spring. At sixteen Galen got his first job and from that point was never without at least one job. Galen enjoyed working and most importantly being around people of all ages. He was quick to adapt, learn, apply and solve. He enjoyed spirited conversation regarding news, sports, events, exchange of opinions and was a consummate online reader of daily news. He was an advocate; volunteering at the Emma Goldman Clinic while in college. At the time of his death Galen worked at both the Emma Goldman Clinic as well as the Sheraton in downtown Iowa City.

Galen is survived by his parents, Sandy and Elodie Opstad of Indianola, his sister Elodie and girlfriend Nicole Heiderscheit of Iowa City. He leaves behind his grandmother, Elodie Morrison of Indianola and aunts Liisa Welch, Becca Lessard, Cathy Morrison, Barb Morrison and 5 cousins. Galen left behind a very large group of friends who were a very important part of his life in Iowa City.

A wine and cheese Remembrance Reception will be held at the Sheraton Hotel in Iowa City on Friday December 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. A Memorial Visitation will be held at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola, Iowa on Saturday December 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the Emma Goldman Clinic in Iowa City or the Epilepsy Foundation in Landover, MD. Cremation has taken place and a private family burial of cremains will be at a later date.