George Wallish

When George Wallish was around, one was sure to know it as he had an infectious zest for life and was always the life of the party no matter where he went. He cherished his family above all else and shared special moments surrounded by those he treasured, sometimes with a fishing rod in his hand. George felt a great sense of responsibility to provide for his family, yet always found the time to be actively involved in their lives, too. He had such a tender heart underneath his playful exterior and even as he battled with his own health challenges, his concern was always for his beloved wife. George leaves behind lessons in compassion, dedication, and selfless sacrifice that will surely withstand the ebb and flow of the tide. The twenties were a time in which technology was providing consumers with new products and experiences in almost every area of life. It was in the year 1927 that America experienced the first talking motion picture, Charles Lindbergh took the first trans-Atlantic flight, and the Holland Tunnel opened, which connected Manhattan and Jersey City, New Jersey. This was a year for celebration in the family of William and Mary (Jelinek) Wallish as they welcomed their son, George Peter, into their hearts and home on January 30th. George was born in Berwyn, Illinois, as the middle of three boys in his family, which included older brother William and younger brother Edward. George was raised in the family home in Berwyn, located within the Chicago metropolitan area, where he enjoyed a typical childhood. His father worked as a machinist while his mother was a busy homemaker. George attended local schools including Marion High School in Cicero where he played football. After only two years of high school, George decided to set his formal education aside for that which he felt was more important. He joined the Army and served in Korea during the end of WWII as a chief marine engineer on a landing craft tank. When the war ended, he returned to the Chicago area to resume the life he set aside. As a civilian, life took George down a few different roads. He found work in the steel mills, and he also worked part-time at local gas stations. It was Georges personal life that really grew exciting during this time as he met the young girl with whom he would share more than 60 years of his life. Her name was Mildred Warren, and she was left stranded on a swimming raft by some girlfriends who were trying to have a little fun with her. Mildred didnt swim well but lucky for her, George came by and rescued her and with that, an enduring love story had begun. It would seem as though George and Millie were destined to be together because she too, was from Chicago. They dated and fell deeply in love. George and Millie eloped to Louisville, Kentucky, and were married on August 7, 1948. Their wedding night was one to remember for years to come as they stayed in a cheap hotel with fleas in the bed, leaving them to rid one another of several hitchhikers. When they returned to Chicago, they didnt tell their parents they were married and had an official wedding in a Catholic church in November. George and Millie greatly enjoyed just living as a young married couple for the first years of their marriage. They frequently socialized with friends, and George focused on earning a good living both in the steel mills and also part-time as an engine mechanic. The couple was overjoyed with the birth of their first child, Jon, in 1953, followed by Keith in 1955, and Kim in 1958. In the early sixties, their family of five moved to Grand Haven, Michigan, where Georges parents had been living. George found work as a diesel mechanic for Wagner Trucking and then later for N Trucking, and he also worked part-time at a local gas station. Their family grew to include Jay in 1964 and Jamie in 1965. After moving around a bit, their family finally settled into a house on Griffin with more than an acre of land. With so much land, they planted a garden each year, and the children all helped tend to the vegetables. They raised chickens and ducks as well. Although the Wallish family spent a lot of time working hard, they also enjoyed having fun together. George and Millie socialized at the American Legion, and the entire family enjoyed fun family vacations to Chicago to visit relatives and trips to Canada and Detroit Tigers games, too. When his boys became active in scouting, George became the Scoutmaster for troop 38 in Grand Haven for six years. He also enjoyed special times fishing with his father and sons on the Grand River. Later in life, new opportunities came along that George took advantage of. He had some health issues that made working difficult, so he retired early when he was only 60. Once their children were grown, George and Millie downsized to a home that was easier to manage in Spring Lake. Their neighbors there were Evergreen Acres and with a great love for the outdoors, they both volunteered their service tending to the plants there just to keep busy. They never received a wage, but the owners did send them to Gulf Shores, Alabama, a few times in appreciation of their work. George and Millie traveled other places as well, regularly taking trips to visit their children in Texas and Minnesota, stopping at casinos along the way. Life began to change for both George and Millie as their health began to decline. Ten years ago, Millies health challenges left George to take over the cooking and household duties. He was more than happy to do so, however, since he adored his wife. George served as her caregiver and even as he struggled with his own health issues including heart problems, he was always more concerned about his beloved Millie. Eventually, she needed to move into an assisted care facility when her needs became too much for George. With a heart that beat to love others, George Wallish dedicated his life to caring for the family he treasured. He was a faithful provider, an involved father, and a tender-hearted husband. George also had quite a sense of humor and loved telling jokes and pulling pranks on his family. He will be remembered for his vivid stories, his strong work ethic, and his love for life. George will be dearly missed. George P. Wallish died Sunday, February 21, 2010. Georges family includes his wife, Mildred; sons, John (Dorothy) Wallish of Grand Haven, Keith (Renate) Wallish of MN, Jay (Martha) Wallish of MN; daughter, Jamie (Marc) Corrin of Marne; grandchildren, Trevor, Amanda, Nolan, George, Jack; brother, William (Joan) Wallish of Grand Haven. George was preceded in death by his daughter, Kim in 2008. A private family service will be held at the Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Grand Haven. Interment at Spring Lake Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.