George Joseph Rademacher was born on May 8, 1942. He passed away September 24, 2020, in Bellevue, Washington.
George was born in Firestone, Colorado, to Joe and Henrietta Rademacher. He spent his childhood working on the family farm with his 6 Brothers and Sisters. The original Farmhouse was only 900 square feet and did not have electricity, running water, or gas. The need for a larger house was evident and in 1958 the house was remodeled into a 4,000 square foot home with 5 bedrooms. George’s grandpa lived with them at the expanded home for a couple of years and this is where George stayed until he married in 1962.
Work on the family farm was demanding with managing the fields, milking cows and maintaining farm equipment. Despite all the demands, there was always time made for family and others. Sundays were spent with the family attending church, followed by picnics with friends or short fishing trips to the mountains. Due to work on the farm, George could only attend school 3 days a week during the spring and fall seasons. He attended Mead High School and excelled in academics as well as sports. Freshmen and Senior Class President, State Championships in Basketball and Track were examples as to how he lived his life, always striving to be the best he could be. Giving up a full ride to college and heading back to the
farm so that his Mom did not have to replace him in the field, was one of many times in his life that family was his priority and where he put others ahead of himself.
George married Virginia Befus in 1962. During their 58 years of marriage they raised 4 Children, Paul (Cindy), Diane, Thomas (Kelly), Todd (Libby). His children graced him with 7 grandchildren, Carver (Madison) Casey, Drake, Kylie, Kyndra, Mali, and Skyler. Family is what brought George and Ginger the greatest amount of joy in their lives. They spent many days visiting their children’s homes, watching their
grandchildren’s sports and attending their school activities.
George had a passion for flying and airplanes, he flew private planes and received his commercial pilot license in 1967. After a couple of years of farming, George’s passion for airplanes, led him to a career in the airline industry, where he spent 20 years working with Western, Delta and Braniff Airlines. After the airlines, George spent 22 years working for Nordstrom, retiring in 2009.
He influenced many lives with his words of wisdom, kindness, his unconditional love and spiritual strength. George was a devoted Catholic and an active member of St Madeline Sophie Parish for 43 years. He served the community through Stephens Ministries, RCIA, Eucharistic Minister, CCD instructor to mention a few. George and Ginger spent their mornings in prayer and reading spiritual texts. In addition to the church community, George volunteered at several organizations and was always the first to put his handyman skills to use for friends and family. Throughout his life, he fulfilled his Dad’s statement that George was “born kind”.
In addition to serving others, George had many other passions that brought joy to himself and others. He cherished the time traveling and camping with friends and family. He enjoyed the outdoors and turning his yard into a collection of figurines and creatures, providing fun and conversation to everyone that visited their home. George and Ginger loved entertaining, playing cards and providing humor to all.
Ginger and his family thank you for your love and support and appreciate the kind words and prayers.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations:
St.Vincent DePaul, C/O St. Madeline Sophie
4400 – 130th Place SE
Bellevue, Wa 98006
World Vision
34834 Weyerheuser Way S.
P.O. Box 9716
Federal Way, WA 98063
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