George A. Rediehs, 91, passed away on Nov. 17^th. Beloved husband of Georgetta (nee Young). He was a loving father to Gail Probst (Dan Crippen) and Carol (JD Salazar). He was a cherished and devoted grandfather to John Probst (Alecia) and Britt Salazar Reinsma (Nathaniel) and Kristin Rediehs Salazar. He absolutely adored his five great grandchildren, Eli and Mia Probst and triplets, George, Andrew and Roland Reinsma. He is also survived by his brother, Tom (Judy) and his sister Susan (Roy Carr) and many nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Fern (nee Cohoon), his brothers, Gilbert and William, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ed and Marion Young and his brother-in-law, Gordon Young.

 

George’s family moved to the Burr Ridge area (before it was Burr Ridge) when he was eight years old. At that time, he started attending Trinity Lutheran Church and School. The school had one room for grades 1-8, and only an outside well for water. In the 7^th grade George started working for King Bruwaert Home mowing the lawns and working on the landscaping. He kept this job through high school. After graduating from Trinity Lutheran, George attended Lyons Township High School, where he met the love of his life, Georgetta.

 

George and Georgetta were married on June 14, 1952. Upon returning from their honeymoon George was drafted into the army. He completed basic training at Fort Leonardwood Missouri and was sent to Korea for two years. While in Korea he earned two bronze stars. Upon discharge he returned home and started a trucking company. His company grew to become a respected Midwest steel hauler, working for companies such as Caterpillar Tractor, International Harvester, John Deere and many others. George continued to seek new challenges and went into industrial real estate development and farming.

 

George was very involved in his faith community. He was on the building committee for Trinity Lutheran church when a new church was built in the 1970’s. He donated the bell tower in loving memory of his brother, Gil.  He served on the board of Concordia University River Forest (Chicago) for many years. He and Georgetta established a scholarship program at the University that provides tuition free education for students every year. They also created a scholarship program at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis that provides for tuition free education for seminary students every year. George also created and produced a Christian television program called “Hope for Life” that was televised locally. Helping others was a cornerstone of his life.

 

George was a lifelong and avid skier. He enjoyed years of skiing in Vail Colorado with his family and friends.  He especially enjoyed skiing with his grandchildren, and he skied until he was 83. He also enjoyed golfing and played every Friday morning with friends from his childhood, for many years.

 

George had a great sense of humor, a ready laugh, a generous, loving and kind heart and a strong faith. He will be greatly missed.​

 

Visitation will be on Tuesday, Nov. 21^st  at Trinity Lutheran Church in Burr Ridge from 9-11am, followed by a church service at 11:00, burial at the church cemetery and a luncheon at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations to Trinity Lutheran Church would be greatly appreciated.

 

Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Downers Grove at 630-964-6500.