George R. King
May 13th, 1931 - November 3rd, 2022
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George's Obituary
George R. King, 91, of St. Joseph, passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at Spectrum Health Lakeland in St. Joseph, MI.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1 pm on Friday, November 18, 2022 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A time of gathering will be held from 12 pm-1 pm, also at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of the many years he spent caring for his beloved Phyllis who suffered from this disease. Those wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
George was born on May 13, 1931 in Benton Harbor, MI to Maurice and Opal (Hart) King. He moved to and attended Sturgis High School, where he met the love of his life, Phyllis Stratton, during his freshman year. George continued his education at Adrian College where he was an active leader in the SAE fraternity. After college, George went on to marry his beloved Phyllis on July 30, 1950 in New York City. Their romance became the stuff of fairytales and movies; married and in love for over 65 years until her passing on March 25, 2016. They were an inspiration to those around them and they always said “the key to happiness is to marry your best friend.” During the last 10 years of her life when Phyllis was in the memory care unit at Woodland Terrace, George never missed a dinner with her. His devotion and love for her is the reason she still, despite the erosion of her memory, recognized and knew her “darling George” until her last day.
George and Phyllis built their home in Sturgis, MI where they lived and were very active in their community for 45 years. George began his career and worked his way up to the executive level at the Kirsch Company for 40 years before retiring in 1990. He mentored many people in the business who still say he was the best boss they ever had. During his years at the Kirsch Company, he was a member and even President of the American Purchasing Society. After his retirement he often worked for the Kirsch Company as a Corporate Consultant.
George and Phyllis loved theater and the arts and were Co-Founders of the Sturgis Civic Players where they both appeared in countless productions. This is also where he performed some of his favorite roles such as Daddy Warbucks in Annie and the King in The King and I. George was also very active in community service, serving as a past President and District Governor of the Sturgis Exchange Club. George was an avid tennis player and golfer. One of his favorite things was sharing his love of tennis with his grand kids, teaching them all to play.
Phyllis and George moved to St. Joseph in 1995 to spend their retirement years in a beautiful condo overlooking Lake Michigan. Retirement did not slow them down and it did not take long for them to become active in the St. Joseph community. The First Congregational Church became their new church home. Together they performed many skits for clubs and service groups and were active in the Twin City Players. He volunteered at the Krasl Art Center and the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center. He was also a member of the Southshore Health and Raquet Club, the St. Joseph River Yacht Club and the Lakeshore Rotary Club. George also served as the Chairperson for the St. Joseph Cemetery Board. He loved that group and was so concerned about missing a Cemetery Board meeting when he went into the hospital. Because of the wonderful experiences George had with hospice care for both his son and wife, he was an active volunteer for many years with Hospice at Home and even had his beloved dogs, Prince and Mushie certified as therapy dogs. He led sing-alongs at Woodland Terrace with his special friend Allie even after Phyllis was no longer a resident. He was always giving back and bringing joy to others up until his last day. He will be sorely missed.
George is survived by his daughter, Angela (Russ) Young; grandchildren, Katie (Michael) Love, Daniel Moleski, Eric Zang, Anna Zang (Marissa Dickey); great-grandchildren, Tyler Moleski, Audrey Love, Delaney Love; son-in-law, Paul Zang and close friend, Alyce “Allie” Carter. He was preceded in death by his parents; love of his life, Phyllis King; son, Phillip King; daughter, Paula Zang and grandson, Nat Moleski.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1 pm on Friday, November 18, 2022 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A time of gathering will be held from 12 pm-1 pm, also at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of the many years he spent caring for his beloved Phyllis who suffered from this disease. Those wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
George was born on May 13, 1931 in Benton Harbor, MI to Maurice and Opal (Hart) King. He moved to and attended Sturgis High School, where he met the love of his life, Phyllis Stratton, during his freshman year. George continued his education at Adrian College where he was an active leader in the SAE fraternity. After college, George went on to marry his beloved Phyllis on July 30, 1950 in New York City. Their romance became the stuff of fairytales and movies; married and in love for over 65 years until her passing on March 25, 2016. They were an inspiration to those around them and they always said “the key to happiness is to marry your best friend.” During the last 10 years of her life when Phyllis was in the memory care unit at Woodland Terrace, George never missed a dinner with her. His devotion and love for her is the reason she still, despite the erosion of her memory, recognized and knew her “darling George” until her last day.
George and Phyllis built their home in Sturgis, MI where they lived and were very active in their community for 45 years. George began his career and worked his way up to the executive level at the Kirsch Company for 40 years before retiring in 1990. He mentored many people in the business who still say he was the best boss they ever had. During his years at the Kirsch Company, he was a member and even President of the American Purchasing Society. After his retirement he often worked for the Kirsch Company as a Corporate Consultant.
George and Phyllis loved theater and the arts and were Co-Founders of the Sturgis Civic Players where they both appeared in countless productions. This is also where he performed some of his favorite roles such as Daddy Warbucks in Annie and the King in The King and I. George was also very active in community service, serving as a past President and District Governor of the Sturgis Exchange Club. George was an avid tennis player and golfer. One of his favorite things was sharing his love of tennis with his grand kids, teaching them all to play.
Phyllis and George moved to St. Joseph in 1995 to spend their retirement years in a beautiful condo overlooking Lake Michigan. Retirement did not slow them down and it did not take long for them to become active in the St. Joseph community. The First Congregational Church became their new church home. Together they performed many skits for clubs and service groups and were active in the Twin City Players. He volunteered at the Krasl Art Center and the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center. He was also a member of the Southshore Health and Raquet Club, the St. Joseph River Yacht Club and the Lakeshore Rotary Club. George also served as the Chairperson for the St. Joseph Cemetery Board. He loved that group and was so concerned about missing a Cemetery Board meeting when he went into the hospital. Because of the wonderful experiences George had with hospice care for both his son and wife, he was an active volunteer for many years with Hospice at Home and even had his beloved dogs, Prince and Mushie certified as therapy dogs. He led sing-alongs at Woodland Terrace with his special friend Allie even after Phyllis was no longer a resident. He was always giving back and bringing joy to others up until his last day. He will be sorely missed.
George is survived by his daughter, Angela (Russ) Young; grandchildren, Katie (Michael) Love, Daniel Moleski, Eric Zang, Anna Zang (Marissa Dickey); great-grandchildren, Tyler Moleski, Audrey Love, Delaney Love; son-in-law, Paul Zang and close friend, Alyce “Allie” Carter. He was preceded in death by his parents; love of his life, Phyllis King; son, Phillip King; daughter, Paula Zang and grandson, Nat Moleski.
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