George Nordhouse's Obituary
George Nordhouse died at the age of 96 on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, in Spring Lake. He was born to Louis Nordhouse and Sarah Manting on October 21, 1914, at the family home on Fourth Street in Grand Haven. He attended Grand Haven High School and was the last surviving member of the 1931 Class A State Championship basketball team. He was inducted into the G.H.H.S Hall of Fame in 2008. He attended Hope College and Columbia University.
George served in the armed forces as a ground officer with the Army Air Force from 1941-1945 based in the London area of the European Theater. He separated from the service as a major.
George was married to Becky M. Shane on May 31, 1946, in New York. In 1947 they returned to Grand Haven where he was employed by Manting Equipment Company, a distributor of Bastian Blessing products. In 1955, they moved to New Orleans where he established Nordhouse Equipment Company, a distributor of restaurant and store fixtures and equipment. In 1975, George retired and the couple returned to this area and built a house on Spring Lake. His wife of fifty years preceded him in death in 1996.
George enjoyed watching all sports and played golf and tennis. He could always be called upon for a hand of cards - particularly euchre, bridge, and gin rummy. He was a member of the Spring Lake Country Club until his later years, as well as being a member of the American Legion and a life member of the Elks Club.
He is survived by his stepdaughter, Valerie Garrott of Huntington Beach, California, and her family, and by the children of his many cousins, including the family of the late Peter Manting.
Burial will be at Lake Forest Cemetery and a memorial gathering may be held at a later date. Please sign the family’s online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
What’s your fondest memory of George?
What’s a lesson you learned from George?
Share a story where George's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with George you’ll never forget.
How did George make you smile?