George L. Wilkins' Obituary
Mr. George L. Wilkins, age 81, of Grand Haven and formerly of Hemlock passed away Monday, October 4, 2021, at home. He was born May 10, 1940, in Hemlock to George A. and Eva (Murray) Wilkins. On May 12, 1962, he married Jeanette Krafft.
George served his country in the US Navy and retired from Dow Chemical in 2001. He was a member of the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post 28 and was a member of St. John XXIII Catholic Church in Hemlock. George was Simon the Zealot with the traveling Last Supper Troop from church which brings many fond memories to the family. He and Jeanette loved to travel and went to 48 states along the way. He was part of the Chicken Foote Domino Group and the SUGAR group (Saginaw Ukulele Gurus and Rookies.) He loved sports especially the Detroit Tigers (Playing Pick the Stick, with Jeanette) and the Detroit Lions, he also was a basketball coach and referee for many years and was even a talented artist, especially oil painting. He loved to watch his grandson play soccer, football and basketball and never missed a game after moving to Grand Haven. George always tried to make life positive and was typically the life of the party. George will be very missed.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jeanette; daughter, Tammi Wilkins of Grand Haven; son, George “Skip” Wilkins of Bay City and grandson, George Wilkins (the light of his life); nephew and nieces: Gary Wilkins, Connie Mendyk, Carol Nickles and Janet Kennelly. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ambert Wilkins; sisters, Margaret Johnson and Leota Harms; nieces and nephews: Sharon, and Lynn Johnson, Marvin Harms, Marvin Mendyk, and Ron Wilkins.
A funeral will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417. Visitation will be held 7-9 PM Monday, October 11, 2021, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of George may be given to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Please sign family’s’ online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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