George J. Tomblinson, 71, of Rock, passed away Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, at Marquette General Hospital.

 

George was born April 28, 1938, in West Salem, Ill., the son of George C. and Mary M. (Taylor) Tomblinson.

 

He was raised in West Salem and attended the West Salem High School. Following high school in May of 1955, George enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a jet engine mechanic.

 

On Dec. 26, 1972, George was united in marriage to the former Carol "Jane" Orrel at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Gladstone.

 

George retired from the Air Force in May of 1975 at the rank of tech sergeant.

 

After retirement from the Air Force, he owned and operated George's Service, in Rock, for many years.

 

George was a senior member of the Rock American Legion Post 559 and the Rock Lions Club.

 

He enjoyed fishing, coaching baseball and spending time with his loving family.

 

Surviving family members include four sons, Jim Andersen of Bark River, Ronnie Tomblinson of Anchorage, Alaska, Jeff (Colleen) Andersen of Bolingbrook, Ill., Charlie (Rhonda) Tomblinson of Yorkville, Ill.; three daughters, Sherry (Greg) Whitman of Escanaba, Debbie Franklin of Rhinelander, Wis., Becky (Tim) McIntyre of Soo Hill; and two brothers, Joe (Myrna) Tomblinson of West Salem, Ill., Darryl (Kathy) Tomblinson of Olney, Ill. Also listed among the surviving family are 20 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

 

George was preceded in death by his parents, George C. and Mary M. Tomblinson; his loving wife, Jane on Nov. 27, 2009; and two brothers, John and Donale Tomblinson.

 

George's family will receive friends on Thursday from 2 to 3:45 p.m. at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba.

 

Military rites will be conducted at 3:45 p.m. at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home by the Rock American Legion Post 559.

 

Funeral services celebrating the life of George J. Tomblinson will follow military rites at 4 p.m. at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home, with Rev. Devon Barrix of Faith Lutheran Church in Rock officiating.

 

Luncheon will follow at the Faith Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Rock. All are invited and welcome to attend. Memorial contributions in George's name may be directed to the Rock American Legion Post 559. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba.

 

The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the family with arrangements. Messages of condolence to George's family can be offered online at www.skradski-boycefuneralhomes.com