George T. Shead

George T. Shead, 88 of New Carlisle, passed away on June 17, 2016 at Memorial Hospital. George was born July 4, 1927 in New Carlisle to Howard and Virginia (Sneed) Shead. On April 17, 1948 in Michigan City, IN he married the former Josephine Matassa, who preceded him in death in 2010. In addition to his wife of 63 years he was preceded in death by his parents and a younger sister, Louise (Strong) Deditch. 

George is survived by four children: Dan (Sue) Shead, Larry (Vicki) Shead, Ken (Debbie) Shead, and Patti (Roger) Strauch. He is survived by seven grandchildren: Jessica (Randy) Scholz, Adam Shead, Jonathan Shead, Matt (Alyson) Shead, Jodie (Jason) Lee, Kevin Shead, Jessie (Nick) Fenton, and a great grandson, Leo Shead. He is also survived by a sister, Barbara Bealor. 

George served 27 months in the Navy/SeaBee’s at the end of World War II. He began his career as a heavy equipment operator building aircraft landing strips on the island of Saipan in the Northern Marianes. After the war, he used his SeaBee experience to work his way into the Operating Engineers Union (Local 150) where he earned the reputation of being a very skilled crane operator. 

In addition to doing an excellent job of helping to raise his four children, George spent countless hours volunteering to help many groups and individuals in and around his community of Hudson Lake. He served as President of the Hudson Twp. Little League, helping to make it the centerpiece of summer activity in the 1960s. He used his equipment operating skills to assist in the building of the New Prairie High School baseball field and the nature trail at Rolling Prairie elementary school. 

After he retired, George and his wife enjoyed traveling by bus and plane to visit family around the country, as well as many historical sites. He was a huge fan of Chicago sports teams and was a lifelong Cubs fan. When he had the chance, he also enjoyed a good day on the lake fishing. 

Visitation for George is 4 pm to 8 pm CST Tuesday June 21, 2016 in Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, LaPorte, IN. Funeral Services will take place on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 in the Keszei Funeral Home at 1 pm CST.  Burial will follow at New Carlisle Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society 130 Red Coach Dr. Mishawaka, IN 46545; the American Diabetes Association 55 E. Monroe St. Suite 3420, Chicago, IL 60603; or Center for Hospice Care Hospice House, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.

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