George Wakeman

Ireton, Iowa ~ George Millard Wakeman of Ireton, Iowa passed away at the age of 75 on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 after a courageous and distinguished battle with Alzheimer’s Disease for 11 years.
Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ireton, Iowa with Rev. Andrew Carlson officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation will begin at noon Friday, with the family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. The Porter Funeral Home in Ireton is assisting the family.
George was the son of George and Dorothy (Hennaman) Wakeman and was born in Akron, Iowa on July 7, 1940. He attended Hoyt Country School in Union County, South Dakota. George was married to Jeanette Zalme of Ireton, Iowa on October 24, 1963.
He was employed at several gas and service stations in Hawarden until 1963 when he was hired by West Sioux Community School System to take care of the Ireton based bus fleet. George was employed by the school district until he started to work at the Ireton Co-op Gas and Oil in 1976. George was a very dedicated and caring employee who set the very high standard for customer service and commitment to his work. He always had a smile on his face and made certain the customers he came into contact with were completely satisfied. He retired after 35 years of service.
It became very clear after George had retired from the Co-op that he was not ready for the rocking chair. He became a foster grandparent at the West Sioux Ireton Elementary School for two and a half years. He was affectionately called “Grandpa George” by the students and staff of the school. He took great pride in assisting with the students that sometimes needed a little redirection and helping them stay on track in the classroom or at lunch.
He served on the Ireton Fire Department for 25 years, was captain of Truck No. 3 and was a charter member of the Ireton Rescue Unit. He enjoyed showing their 1960 Chevrolet as a member of the Hawarden Border Bandits and Sioux Center Car Club
George was both humbled and extremely honored in 2013 by being named “Ireton’s Citizen of the Year”.
George also had a very strong faith and was involved at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ireton as an Elder, and many other volunteer roles.
George is survived by his “lovely wife” Jeanette of 52 years; three children, George III, Sioux City; Jeannie and Joel Hagen of Phoenix, Arizona; Renae and Mike Hansen of Hibbing, Minnesota; and his 10 grandchildren George IV, Charles, Henry, and William Wakeman of Omaha, Nebraska; Jay and Ryan Hagen of Phoenix Arizona; and Hillary and Hope Hansen of Ames, Iowa; Hunter and Adam Hansen of Hibbing, Minnesota. Also surviving is his sister, Darlene Wakeman of Phoenix, Arizona.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Dwight Wakeman and his wife, Ethel; and a sister, Faith Newman and her husband Carrol.
The family would like to commend Hillcrest Care Center in Hawarden, Iowa and Hospice of Siouxland for their amazing care and comfort given to George.

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ,Friday, July 17, 2015
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
602 Main Street Ireton, Iowa 51027

Prayer Service

7:00 p.m. ,Friday, July 17, 2015
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
602 Main Street Ireton, Iowa 51027

Funeral Service

10:30 a.m. ,Saturday, July 18, 2015
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
602 Main Street Ireton, Iowa 51027