George August Ellspermann

George August Ellspermann, 87, of St. Joseph passed away on April 17, 2011, at his family's residence after a lengthy illness. George was born November 27, 1923 in Evansville, IN to Carl and Rosa Ellspermann. He married Monica Laverne Reynolds and during their 62 years of marriage they were blessed with four children. Jane (Mike) Cunningham, Dan Ellspermann, Tom (Cynthia) Ellspermann and Monica Lynne (Dave) Gingrich. After graduation from Reitz Memorial High School, in Evansville he attended Saint Joseph College in Rensselaer, IN where he earned a business administration degree. George played baseball, football and basketball and is in the St. Joseph College Football Hall of Fame. He also received an officer's commission from University of Notre Dame before serving in the U.S. Navy for 3 years during WWII. After returning from the War he finished he college degree and played 2 years of Pro Baseball with the New York Yankees Triple A League as a catcher. George retired in 1984 from Whirlpool Corporation where he was employed for 35 years. At Whirlpool he spent his career in the procurement department with assignments in Evansville, IN, St. Paul, Minnesota, and St. Joseph, MI. He was a long time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he was a lector and Eucharistic minister. He also served on the local Board of the Boys Scouts of America. George was an avid golfer and member of Berrien Hills Country Club where he enjoyed weekly rounds of golf and playing cards with his buddies in St. Joe and Sarasota, FL. as a part time resident. George is survived by his wife Monica, children, Jane (Mike) Cunningham, Tom (Cynthia) Ellspermann, Monica Lynne (Dave) Gingrich, 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. George had 9 brothers and sisters and is survived by Helen (Bert) Miller, Vince (Ruth) Ellspermann and Yvonne (Dan) Sheek. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Daniel G. Ellspermann, brothers, Rev. Gerard Ellspermann, O.S.B., Rev. Camillus Ellspermann, O.S.B., Charles Ellspermann, Rose Marie (Schultheis) ,Francis Joseph Ellspermann and John Ellspermann. George will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We would like to thank all the caring helpers at Comfort Keepers and Hospice at Home for making his last months as comfortable as possible. Memorial service will be held Tuesday evening 5-7pm, April 19, 2011 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph. Those wishing to sign the online guestbook may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Memorial service will also be held Wednesday evening 6-8pm, April 20, 2011 at Ziemers Funeral Home, 800 S Hebron Ave, Evansville, IN 47714. Celebration of Life service will be conducted at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville, April 21, 2011, at 9:00am with Father Gregory Chamberlain, O.S.B. officiating. Burial will follow immediately at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Evansville, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Hospice at Home, hospiceathome.org, 4025 Health Park lane, St. Joseph MI 49085.