Age 90 of South St. Paul

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on February 20, 2021. Preceded in death by his parents, George and Rose; and 6 siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Gloria; children, Susan (Greg) Zweber, Mike, Mary Jo (David) Schrader and James (Geri); grandchildren, Jennifer, Lottie, Emily, Lindsay, Rachel; Seth, Brianna, Allison; Heather; great-grandchildren, Willie, Greta; Maggie, Lily, Renae; Mallory, Roman, Mayzie; Annelise, Bennett; Eleanora; Evelyn; and sisters, Donna, Mary, Renee.

George started his career as a keyliner for Sun Newspapers and finished out his career at Sexton Printing where he retired in 1995. But his life was definitely much more than working his 9-to-5.

Despite never having played organized hockey, George was an award-winning and highly respected youth hockey coach in South St. Paul from 1967 to 1993 and was an assistant coach for a few years beyond that. He started out coaching Inter-City for three years, then “B” Pee Wees for four years, and finished out the rest of his coaching career with “A” Pee Wees. Many of the teams George coached throughout his career earned State Championship wins and runners-up titles, and in the 1970s even included future Hockey-Hall-of-Famer Phil Housley.

For 23 years, George sat on the board of directors for SSP Hockey Booster Club, serving as president for two years. His aspiration was to fund free ice time for any and all kids through donations. He served on the arena board, was a regular tournament volunteer, as well as supporter and attendee of SSP hockey games, where he constantly ran into past players who would tell him he was the best coach they ever had.

George was a very humble and modest man, but he earned numerous awards for his dedication to youth hockey: 1970-1971 Inter-City Coach of the Year, in 1979 the SSPHBC Gary Mikacevich Award, in 1986 the MAHA District 8 Service Award, in 1988 the MAHA President’s Award for Outstanding Service to Youth Hockey in Minnesota, as well as the “Let’s Play Hockey” Man of the Year Award.

In addition to hockey enthusiast, George was also an incredible golfer. He got his first hole-in-one at the age of 82.

All of this while standing beside him was Gloria. As a couple, George and Gloria exemplified true love. They took care of each other in so many ways and George never took her for granted. He claims that “Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” And you would always see them holding hands.

In 1985, George and Gloria took in their first of 87 foster babies, a passion they shared together until 2002. They regarded each one of these babies as their own and gave so much love and attention to them, regardless of whether they had them for a week or many months. Following their foster care tenure and for the next several years, they enjoyed providing day-care for a few special children, as well.

Prior to his senior year of high school, George had to drop out in order to obtain work and help support his mother and siblings. In 1995, George was given an honorary high school diploma, walking in the same ceremony as his granddaughter Emily’s graduating class.

Going to mass every week was something that was really important to George. When the 2020 COVID lockdowns were imposed, he was incredibly disappointed that he could not attend church and was looking forward to returning soon after restrictions were to be lifted. He was a faithful giver and helping children was always top-of-mind.

George was truly a one of a kind. He was a wonderful man in all of our lives who will be greatly missed. He lived a full life and has much to be proud of. He had a positive impact on every player he coached and every foster baby he cared for. He thoroughly adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who affectionately called him “Bump.”

Visitation 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 2nd, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 3rd, at the Church of St. John Vianney, 840 19th Ave. No., South St. Paul. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights. Memorials preferred to St. John Vianney Church.