Dieter A. Galler, PhD, 84, of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully at 8:20am on Palm / Passion Sunday, April 2, 2023, in the arms of his wife, Mercedes.

Dieter was born in Beuthen, Germany during WWII and suffered grievously during and after the war. In his teens, he was an avid tennis and soccer player. At the age of 23, he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a doctorate / PhD in Philosophy and French Literature from the University of Münster. He taught at Münster for one year and was invited to a University in Kentucky and then went down to Tampa, FL to teach French Literature at the University of South Florida. This is where he met Mercedes Serrallés on January 9, 1967. He had already agreed to a contract with Louisiana State University (LSU) starting in the fall of 1967 to guide two PhD candidates. The two dated a lot by phone and he drove many miles quite a few times to see her in Florida where she was finishing her degree in French and music. They were married in Sarasota, FL on April 14, 1968 (Easter Sunday night) at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs.

He taught at LSU, for 21 years. On March 20, 1969, their son Marc was born.

Dieter was an avid runner and ran competitively on the LSU track. He retired from LSU and moved his family to Navarre Beach on the gulf. He did a world cruise a year later and Mercedes encouraged him to apply at Holland America Cruise Line to become an Enrichment Lecturer. He lectured successfully on various 5-star cruise ships for 20 years to many parts of the world.

Dieter was a devout Catholic and he served as an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister and took communion to the patients at Gulf Breeze Hospital. About four years ago, Dieter fell and broke his back and ever since, his health continued to deteriorate to the point he was bed ridden for the last 2 years.

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Mercedes del Carmen Serrallés Galler; son, Marc E. Galler; as well as a granddaughter, Ingrid E. Galler.

Visitation will be held 5:00pm-7:00pm Monday, April 10, 2023, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with a rosary to be prayed at 6:00pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00am Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at St. John's the Evangelist Catholic Church, with Fr. John Licari celebrant. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.