George Gretsinger

George Clarence Gretsinger

Peacefully on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, George Gretsinger passed away at Lions Prairie Manor at the age of 88 years.

He was predeceased by his wife Gwen; brothers Harold and Jim and sister Alice. George is survived by his children Tom (Connie), Linda (Jim) Wolfe, Randy (Wendy), Gerry (Laura) and Geoff (Joy); grandchildren Mike, Rick, Jamie, Jennifer, Scott, Kelly and 7 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Ron (Joan) Collins; sister-in-law Joyce Gretsinger and many nieces and nephews.

George was born November 22, 1922 in Beausejour, MB and moved to Winnipeg in 1938 then made Portage la Prairie his home in 1969. He married Gwen Collins on August 12, 1944 and began their family together. George was active with Cubs and Boy Scouts while his boys were growing up. He was always interested in many outdoor activities skiing, golfing, curling, fishing and hunting. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play soccer, hockey, and baseball. George volunteered for the C.N.I.B. for over 25 years, served as the chairman for the advisory board and took care of those visibly impaired. In 1995 he received the Manitoba Premiers Award for his volunteer service. While in Portage la Prairie he continued to take on an active role as a volunteer with Service for Seniors, Herman Prior Senior Centre and Lions Eye Bank Foundation. George was the president of the Portage Shriners Club and Portage Lions Club in 1975. He was the Deputy District Governor of the Lions Club in 1982. George served with the R.C.A.F. from 1941 to 1945. He was a long time member of the Masons Assiniboine Lodge #7 and Order of the Eastern Star Electa Chapter #2.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Lions Prairie Manor for their care and compassion.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 2:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel led by Rev. Beth Kerr.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in George's memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba a�" Portage Office, 103 Wilkinson Crescent, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1A7, Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 Fifth St.SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3A8 or CNIB, Donations Processing Centre, P.O.Box 32002, Stn. Brm. B, Toronto, ON, M7Y 5R2.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com