We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of George here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
My heart is heavy. What a wonderful man. I loved working for him and have a lot of great memories. I will always think of him fondly and with a smile. I am very sorry for your loss, Cecilia. My thoughts and prayers are with you and his family. My sincere condolences.
Margie Sobkowiak-Dratz
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
George was a South Haven icon that we all came to count on to lend his support in mind, body or spirit when it involved the youth of the community. It was my honor to know him in my youth and as life moved on to be involved with different functions as an adult it was my pleasure to work along side of George. His family is in our prayers on this sad occasion.
David Hamlin
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
I had the pleasure of working with George for 30 years. I can't imagine a better man to work for. It was an honor to be standing by his side when Baars Printing closed it's doors for the last time. My love and prayers go out to all of his family. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Nancy Starks Torstenson
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
Doug and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Nila Dubas and the class of 1976
nila.dubas490@gmail.com
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
Cecilia and Family, I am so sorry to hear of George's passing. He was a great guy, and a great friend. I always had a great time talking with him about printing, and copiers, he was the best. You are all in my Prayers. R.I.P. my friend. Deb Bollwahn
Deb Bollwahn
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
George looked after my mother Gene Hardy & her home. i WILL NEVER FORGET HIS HELP.
Ken Hardy
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
My sympathy goes to the whole family. God's blessings. Kathleen Haines
khainesdailey2018@gmail.com
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
Our sympathy and love to George’s family.
Frank & Joanie Overton
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
I truly loved this man. My deepest condolences to the entire Wondergem family.. He will be missed..George was such a hoot to talk to and always made me smile! I will always remember the time he fell asleep in the bridge tenders booth while angry boaters blew their gaskets..good times! Rest in peace, my friend!
Jason the mailman
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
So sorry to hear of George's passing and my sincere condolences to Cecilia and family.
Al Saxild
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
So sorry to hear of George passing. Hugs and love to the wondergem family
Debby Henderson
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
I am so very sorry for your loss Cecilia! My prayers and heart go out to you and your family ❤️
Nicole May
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
I remember when George let a group of kids come and he showed us around the printing shop. My condolences to the Wondergem family.
Carol Wessling
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
I have many fond memories of my time working for George and great appreciation for his kindness and generosity. He was a special man. Love and prayers to all the family.
Sue Hadaway
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
George was a good neighbor. Always had time to chat or offer a good word when walking by. As a business owner he treated us very well.at the church. Not only pricing but products on time and well done. He gave extra care to our work. And in those times when I needed something in a rush he made it happen. A real joy to work with. And even though my son drives for Miller, I'll toast him with a Bud this weekend. Our prayers are with his family. Blessings
revjsd@gmail.com
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
Prayers for you, Cecilia and George’s entire family. Rest In Peace.
Larry and Kitty Girard
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
George coached my Little League baseball team. I remember wanting to be a pitcher in the worst way. Well, George being the guy he was, let me try. Knowing full well I didn't have the arm to pitch, he taught me to understand my limits and tackle the tasks I was better suite for. I always loved seeing him out for his walks and it gave me great solace to know he was still a presence in this world. I am greatly saddened by his passing. My condolences to Cecilia and his family. RIP Coach.
Harry Kohn
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
Sending my love and sympathy to all my family I will always remember his warm hugs and big smiles, gracious waves and always visiting him at Baars ❤
Shawnda
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
George was such a kind loving man that loved life and his family. He will be missed.
Jan leksich
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
A wonderful, wonderful man! So blessed to have known him. Love and prayers for the whole family.
Lisa Young
July 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
I’ll never forget how kind and loving “Emily’s dad” was. During childhood sleepovers, a common occurrence for Emily and I, he would tuck us in at night and sing to us. He would then say, “I love you, Emily” who would obviously respond, “I love you too”, and then he’d even say it to me, to which I replied “thank you” lol being the shy kid I was. I’ll never forget that. So sorry for your family’s loss. Heaven gained a great man.
Michelle Barnes
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
George was a decent, hard working, honest and loyal man. A great father, husband and friend. He just made you smile. He will be missed.
Amanda Soukup
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
Cecilia, Emily and family, so sorry for your loss of a wonderful husband and father, our prayers go out to you for comfort and peace
Ken and Kathy Maxwell
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
I've known George for a long time. We had a lot of good times on the playground at St Basil's for waiting for our kids to get out of school. GO CUBS GO!!!!!!!! Love & prayers to the family.
Keith Bierhalter
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
Fair winds and FOLLOWING seas Marine Semper fi RIP.
Tom stegeman
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
Loved playing against George's teams in the Senior League. As I recall, his teams were always in 1st place. Later. We would always greet each other - Hi Cub Fan - then wait until next year. George will surely be missed. What a great guy!
John Long
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
Very sorry to hear the news! George was a great guy who loved to play badminton. My prayers to his family!
Tony Powell
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
I remember when I was young growing up on Michigan Avenue, George and my Dad along with Russ and Mike were all great friends and neighbors. All of us kids in the neighborhood hung out together too. When we would see George, he would say "let me see your muscles" and we would put up our arms like Superman. He was always impressed, I loved that! I also loved watching the South Haven fireworks from his front lawn with a big bag of buttered popcorn! The best of times! Later he always had a great smile for me when I would come over like he was so happy to see me. I was always happy to see him! I am so sad he is gone and will miss him, but I am so very happy to have known him as the kindest Gentleman that he was. I loved Uncle George & will keep all my great memories of him. ❤️
Jamie Wagoner Pentinga
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
George and Cecelia generously hosted many badminton tournaments. When George was running the desk, he calmly said “20 minutes” when asked by any player when he would play next. He supported the Midwest Badminton Association and printed its newsletter for many years. The first time I telephoned him there was a lot of background noise and he asked me to hold for a moment as “the kids were stirring”. I was surprised by his good-natured calm, which of course was his way. George was a welcoming and endearing presence in the badminton community and we will miss him.
Alice Wunderlich
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you, Cecilia....... Kathy Haines Dailey
khainesdailey2018@gmail.com
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
Sorry for your loss !! Great guy !! I first met George when I got involved with Campfire Girls back in the 70's -- we worked on many projects together.
Fred Lammlin
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
First, my most heartfelt condolences to the Wondergem family. I hadn't seen George in many years, however, I can still remember our talks over the noise of the presses with the wonderful aroma of the ink and oil. I just enjoyed talking with him and memories came rushing back when I read about this sad event. May he rest well after a well-lived life!
Dave Wiatrowski
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
so sorry, Cecilia.. George was one of the good guys! Prayers for the family.
Shirley Wagoner
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
Prayers and thoughts to you and the family.
Amelia Walantyn
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
Dear Cecilia and family. We are so sorry for your loss And please know you are in our prayers in the days ahead. The life story that was written was beautiful. God’s peace and comfort to you all. Mark and Michele Woodhams
Michele
July 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
My sympathy to you, Cecilia and your Family. The first mixed doubles competition Terry & I played in was the Benton Harbor Open in 1995. We had a great time because of the hospitality that you and George showed us. May God surround you with his love at this time.
Terry & Linda Downey
July 4th, 2020 at 12:00am
Sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
Tom, Lucy and Zach Swiecicki
July 5th, 2020 at 12:00am
Thank you...you looked out for everyone!
Barbara J. Rose
July 5th, 2020 at 12:00am
I was a member of the Camp Fire Girls and have many fond memories of George out at the campsite, keeping watch over all of us. He was a gem (not just a Wondergem) then and even would stop to say hello after all the years gone by on his walks about town. He did a lot of printing for us with the Miss Bangor programs and other events that I worked on, he will certainly be missed. May he rest in peace! Go Cubbies Go!!
Chris
July 6th, 2020 at 12:00am
To the entire Wondergem Family, I choose to remember the good old days and how "Coach Wondergem" helped instill a love of baseball in me which I in turn shared with others. I don't remember much from those early years of life but I do remember how much I loved baseball and I always felt George understood (and shared) that passion. George gave a lot to our community. I will truly miss talking a little baseball with George from time to time.........God Bless.
jdorow@southhaveninsurance.com
July 6th, 2020 at 12:00am
Our hearts are heavy with the passing of George. Some of our first badminton adventures in the Midwest were the Benton Harbor tournaments where we were greeted with the warm hospitality and love of the sport by George and Cecilia. We send our condolences and know you have many wonderful memories to relish. Rest in peace, George.
Russ & Mary Ann Bowles
July 6th, 2020 at 12:00am
Sending heartfelt condolences to your family. George was a good man with a quick wit and a caring heart; a good neighbor, friend & community leader who leaves behind big shoes to fill. Bless you all.
Ben Behrman
July 6th, 2020 at 12:00am
What a wonderful man. It was always a pleasure to wait on him when he cam into MacDonalds Drug Store! He also taught me how to play badminton and encouraged me to do a couple of tournaments! He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and often think about that. My prayers go out to his entire family.
Diane Beckwith Lindsey
July 6th, 2020 at 12:00am
So sorry the families loss. I have great memories of George from Baars Printing. We use to plan the Hogan Alley picnic and had so much fun. He was a very special man.
Beth Horan
July 6th, 2020 at 12:00am
My thoughts and prayers go our to the entire family, as you mourn the loss of such a good man. I had the pleasure of working with George and Doug for 9 years, while i was at South Haven Hospital. He was always willing to help any way he could. He enjoyed donating to the hospital Christmas raffles for the employees, even when i told him it was too much, he just wanted to serve his community and took joy in the smiles of those around him. I've missed this gentle, kind man, since i left South Haven and have often thought of him with fondness. George - your name tells us all you truly were a Wonderful Gem! You will be greatly missed by all those of us blessed to know you!
Lorio (Morse) Siska
July 7th, 2020 at 12:00am
So very sorry for your family's loss. George was such a nice person and always so pleasant. Deepest condolences to Doug, Lisa and Cecelia and the rest of the family.
Julie Wood
July 7th, 2020 at 12:00am
Doug, Sorry to hear about your dad's passing.
Mike and joyce Wagner
July 8th, 2020 at 12:00am
Cecilia and family I was saddened to read of George's passing. He was a wonderful friend and I enjoyed working with him and the group at Baars Printing. My thoughts and prayers to you and family. Charlie Reinholtz Family
7
July 8th, 2020 at 12:00am
Cecilia, think not in grief that George is gone, but in thankfulness that he was. Thinking of you. LIZ
Elisabeth Giegerich
July 9th, 2020 at 12:00am
One of my first baseball coaches as a child. Thank you for your time and patience.
christian L madsen
July 20th, 2020 at 12:00am
George was my Senior League baseball coach..I would like to think his gentle nature and love for the game impacted my life from and early age. Thanks George.
Carl Olsen
July 30th, 2020 at 12:00am
So sad to hear of George’s passing. He was our next door neighbor for five years and also our sons baseball coach. I remember a lot of nights the guys would all play pool in the garage. Sorry to say I think they’re all gone now. My husband died June 10, 2018. George was a great man! Thinking of you and your family. 💜
Judy McCrumb
August 18th, 2020 at 12:00am
I am so saddened to hear of George's passing. He was truly one of the good guys!! I have many memories of great conversation and much laughter with him. Since moving out of state, and my mom's passing, I don't always hear news from back home...this hurts my heart. Prayers for comfort for your whole family. George touched many people's lives and we were so blessed to know him . He will never be forgotten. Lori (Davy) Jorgensen
Lori (Davy) Jorgensen
September 27th, 2020 at 12:00am