George Sturgis

George Benjamin Sturgis, 97, of Greenville, passed away Tuesday evening, November 17, 2009 at Spectrum Health-United Hospital, Greenville. The son of Ezra Carl & Della A. (Kelch) Sturgis, he was born on Nov. 6, 1912 in St. Johns. Although his education in Engineering School at the University of Michigan was cut short by the economic realities of the Great Depression, George continued to use his analytical mind and could fix, build, or repair anything, was skilled in just about all the building trades, and was an avid reader and lifelong learner. On March 24, 1934 in St. Johns, he married the former Mildred Belle Sperry. Together, they raised five children and were blessed with over 74 years of marriage. A deeply spiritual man, George was a long time member of the East Congregation of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses in Greenville, and throughout his life began the day with Bible study. His favorite scripture was Matthew 24:14 and he will be remembered praying, That Gods kingdom is the only solution to all the worlds problems. He looked forward to the blessings of the kingdom, especially the promise of the resurrection. Acts 24:15 For 30 years, George worked for the Grand Trunk Western railroad as a telegrapher and depot agent at stations around the state including Owosso, Caseville, Muir, Middleton, Greenville, and Sheridan. He enjoyed helping friends and neighbors, and at 97 was still riding his bicycle, raking leaves, and even cleaned his gutters this fall. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Belle Sturgis on February 10, 2009; an infant daughter, Martha Sturgis; his parents; and an toddler brother, Deward Sturgis. Surviving are his children, Martella & Joseph Greenwood of Greenville, Carolyn & Paul Maue of Taylor, Texas, Eunice & Ronald Rondeau of Swartz Creek, Lois Martinez of Greenville, and Timothy Sturgis of Lansing; five grandchildren, Jonathan Greenwood, Joanna Willison, Suzette Regina, Stephen Rondeau, and Abigail Baragrey; seven great grandchildren; four nieces; and numerous close friends. Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at the Greenville Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 915 Industrial Park Drive at M-57 East. Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place with burial following in St. Johns. Contributions in Georges memory may be directed to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses-East Congregation. The Christiansen Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Greenville, was entrusted with the arrangements. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of George Sturgis, please visit our flower store.