George Dickinson

WAUNAKEE - George H. Dickinson, age 88, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2012, at Waunakee Manor Health Care Center with his loving wife by his side. He was born on May 14, 1924 in Oshkosh to Floyd and Mabel Dickinson. George moved around Wisconsin many times during childhood, graduating from Augusta High School in 1943. He joined the Army in 1945 and while stationed in Stein, Germany, working as an Army auto mechanic, met the love of his life, Ilse Munch. They married in October 1948. George and Ilse moved from Germany to Madison, where they both worked for Oscar Mayer for over 35 years, he as a mechanic in the refrigeration area. George continued to serve in the Army Reserves. Highlights in George's life include extensive volunteer work at the Bethesda House of Thrift from 1985-2006 and at Waunakee Neighborhood Connections from their opening in 2006 until recent health issues prevented him from continuing. He was honored by the United Way in 2010 as an outstanding community volunteer. Unable to work at WNC, he began volunteering for odd jobs at Waunakee Manor where he and Ilse had moved in 2009. George enjoyed 40 years singing with the Madison Maennerchor, active participation in his church life, bowling with Oscar Mayer leagues and traveling with Ilse in Europe, Australia, Canada and the US. George saw the good in everyone and touched the lives of all who knew him and Ilse. He was grateful for his "team" of doctors, nurses, caregivers and friends who were there for him throughout his life and during his recent illness. George is survived by his dearly loved wife, Ilse, their friend and caregiver, Nancy Daly, co-workers at Waunakee Neighborhood Connection, friends at Waunakee Manor and Mission Hill Church. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home, 5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Jeff Corder of Mission Hill officiating and Maennerchor members singing. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens in Madison with full military honors provided by American Legion Post #360 Honors Unit. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: WNC, 215 S. Century Avenue, Waunakee, 53597 or Mission Hill Lutheran Church, 6265 Woodland Drive, Waunakee 53597. The family would like to thank the Waunakee Manor staff for the compassionate care given to George.
" Peace be with you, Aufwiedersehen Schatzy"