Russell Van Galder was born in 1907 in Rock County on the family farm in LaPrairie Township that had been homesteaded by his great grandfather. Well known locally as one of the early proponents of aviation, he became a barnstormer and was the originator of the “Van Galder Flying Circus.”

In his early days of flying he navigated with road maps and he landed at night by the headlights of an automobile. He was employed as a supervisor at General Motors, Janesville and was flying evenings and weekends.

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he was forced to close his airport on Highway 51, across the road from the present Rock County Airport, due to stringent wartime restrictions. He was then invited to take over the South Beloit Airport. He moved his operation to South Beloit and “Beloit Airways” became the hub of private aviation in this area.

Van Galder held a Commercial Pilot’s License with ratings for multi-engine, seaplane, and instrument. He was a certified instrument instructor and flight instructor. He also held an Aircraft and Engine Mechanics License and was a designated Federal Aviation Authority Inspector certified to license aircraft and engines for annual licensing and airworthiness.

In 1952 the Federal Aviation Agency designated Van Galder as a Pilot Examiner. He taught thousands of students to fly, many of whom went on to become military and airline pilots. He logged 18,257 hours instructing and as examiner.

Van Galder and his wife, Marge, selected and recommended the site of the present Rock County Airport to officers of the Blackhawk Chapter of the National Aeronautics Association. Van Galder assisted in the creation of the Blackhawk Tech Airframe and Power Plant Mechanics School.

Since his death, an annual scholarship has been given in his memory to a student enrolled in this program.