George E. Petaja, 87, of Escanaba passed away Friday, January 29, 2010 at the Christian Park Health Care Center.
He was born September 2, 1922 to Waino “Babs” Petaja and Eleanore (Yoki) Petaja in Calumet, MI.
On August 10, 1950 he married the former Lois E. Schmidt and they shared over 55 years together before she passed away in 2006.
George lived a full life and found the best in everyone. At a young age he moved to Escanaba with his parents. He spent many summers at his grandparents’ cottage at Lake Linden where he had many fond memories of spending time with his fathers’ twelve siblings. Some of his uncles were close to his age and were like brothers to him.
George graduated in 1941 from the Escanaba Area Public High School. His favorite job was during the summer of 1941 when he was a lifeguard at Blaney Park. A couple of years ago George was able to attend an all staff alumni reunion and he enjoyed reminiscing about the time spent there.
George then went on to and was proud to have served his country in the United States Air Force for many years. He first served in the Army Air Forces from 1942 to 1946 and was the recipient of the American Theatre Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and at he World War II Victory Medal. He later served in the Air Force from 1950 to 1951. He always had a love for flying throughout his life. He is a member of the VFW Post 2998 of Escanaba. Following his time spent in the military, George went to work for Harnischfeger for many years.
George came to love the game of hockey at an early age. He coached and played hockey on the Escanaba Hawks (formally “Old Rangers” and “North Town Hawks” before the named finally changed to “Hawks”). He played on the Hawks team from age 17-36 with his dad. At age 37 George quit playing hockey and began coaching hockey. He started helping the coach who was a former Hawks teammate, at the rink by the Junior High School. After that he coached for fifteen years at the Water Tower rink. During this time he also refereed at the Exhibition Building. He spent many days and evenings at the rink until his health problems began a few years ago. If George wasn’t at the rink he could be found watch the Detroit Red Wings on TV or listening to a local hockey game on the radio.
He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where he was active for many years. He served on the church council, ushered many Sundays, and helped out with work projects.
His family and friends will remember all of his stories. Many have said, “No one can tell a story like George.” Many of his stories include hockey, being a lifeguard, times in the Air Force, and funny times with friends and family.
He hunted in Boney Falls with his dad and friends for many years. He didn’t get many deer, but he enjoyed the true one room deer camp experience.
He loved to spend time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He will be missed greatly by all of his family. His children include Tom Petaja of Milwaukee, WI; Patti (Dr. Ted A.) Bash of West Branch, MI; and Lynn (Richard L.) Robitaille of Escanaba, MI. Three grandchildren Heather Robitaille of Lakeland, FL; Haley and Anthony of West Branch, MI. He is also survived by a brother-in-law Charles L. Schmidt III, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, February 3 at 5:00 PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 4:45PM at the funeral home. Military honors presented by the Delta County Veterans Council will be at 4:45 PM. A luncheon will be served immediately following services at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Escanaba. Use the form below to leave the Petaja family a message of condolence.
