George W.

Sloane

George William Sloane, age 95 of Lake Mills, passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at Lilac Springs Assisted Living, Lake Mills. He was born November 9, 1921, in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, to the late Frank and Mae (Vaughn) Sloan.

George graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1939. Following graduation he attended Aviation School in Chicago, Illinois.

Enlisting in the United States Navy in 1942, George served his country until his honorable discharge in 1945.

Returning to his hometown, George married Delores Emily Arndt on September 26, 1946. His love for Rock Lake and fond boyhood recollections of so many great times with friends growing up on the east shore were precious in his memory. Shortly after they married, George and Delores purchased a small cottage on the east shore across from what is now Lakeside Lutheran High School. Here they enjoyed almost 60 wonderful years which included raising Sally, Tom and Sandy, entertaining friends and their children along with countless family gatherings throughout the beautiful seasons of Rock Lake.

George worked as a foreman for the local shoe factory and on nights and weekends sold Chevrolets for Nadler Motors in Lake Mills. He went on to purchase the Lake Mills American Family Insurance Agency in 1961, which he owned and operated until late 1987.

Following retirement, George went back to another one of his early passions. He became an artist. His passion led him to partake in more than fourteen years of additional formal art training while turning out more than 300 works, many of which adorn the homes of his friends, family and admirers of his talent whom he met along life's journey.

George was on the "cradle roll" of the Lake Mills First Congregational Church. He sang in the choir for more than 60 years along with sharing his musical gift at many weddings, funerals, and special events. He grew up in a musical family. The orchestra included his Mom (Mae) who tickled the piano keys, Dad (Frank) made the strings of his fiddle sing, sister, Alice, added richness with her trombone, adopted sister, Lucille, brought depth to their music with her bass and George dazzled everyone with his trumpet. Together they provided music for many church services.

George also shared his musical talent outside of church. He played and sang in the city band and other local establishments, sang in the Jefferson County Barbershop Chorus, and shared the stage with the Cambridge Theater Group. He also took his vocal talents on the road singing in San Francisco with the Letterman, in New Orleans at blues clubs and several north woods venues.

George was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Zor Shriners, Lions Club, Lake Ripley Country Club, Dance Club and local coffee groups. He was particularly proud to be a member of the local American Legion playing taps at military funerals, marching in local parades and working at the Legion hamburger stand, all of which he enjoyed for decades.

George was a lifelong Wisconsin Badger and Green Bay Packer football fan. He and Delores attended most every home Badger football game for over two decades. On December 31, 1967, they were among the robust attendees at the infamous Ice Bowl Game at Lambeau Field, the day the temperature including wind-chill dropped to minus seventeen degrees.

He enjoyed motorcycles, and snowmobiling. George purchased his first Harley in 1938 and rode for over 50 years. In the early days of their marriage, you would see George on his Harley with Delores beside him in the sidecar. George loved winter vacations and together he and Delores traveled many times to Florida, Arizona, Hilton Head, Mexico, Aruba and other tropical destinations. George loved his family, friends and country. In 2013, he was so proud to have had the opportunity to join with many of his fellow surviving servicemen on the WWII Honor Flight to Washington D.C.. The experience was overwhelming for those members of the Greatest Generation.

George is greatly cherished by those that survive him: Delores (nee Arndt) beloved wife of 70 years, daughters: Sally (George Kazarian) of Illinois, Sandy (Gregor Blix) of Michigan; son: Tom (Cathey) of Fort Atkinson; grandchildren: Trevor, Seth and Cody Kazarian; Meghan (Alex Klettke); Henrik, Ingrid and Lenz Blix; great-grandchildren: Charlie and Kili Klettke; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Alice (Vern Graf), adopted sister Lucille (Clarence Schumann), and infant great-granddaughter Eowyn Mai Klettke.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Lake Mills.

Friends may call after 9 a.m. on Tuesday at the church until the time of services.

Burial with military graveside rites will be in Rock Lake Cemetery.

George is the last male member of his 1939 high school class to be welcomed into eternal life with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude and thanks for the compassionate care provided to George and his loved ones by Rainbow Hospice and Lilac Springs Assisted Living in Lake Mills. You have been our reassuring presence throughout George's final journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to Rainbow Hospice Care or the First Congregational Church of Lake Mills.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com