Age 75, passed away peacefully at home in North Lake Leann, Jerome, MI, on Monday, March 3rd, 2025, after a courageous nine year battle with prostate cancer. He was surrounded by loved ones. George previously lived in Wheatfield and Demotte, IN. A true American patriot and veteran, George was born on the 4th of July, 1949, in Chicago, IL to George Chizmar (U.S. Navy veteran) and Grace I. Hargrave, both of whom predeceased him.
George proudly served in the U.S. Army (SP5), during the Vietnam War years as a trumpet player in the Army Band and often traveled the U.S. playing taps for deceased soldiers returning home from war. George graduated in Information Technology programs from the University of Indiana (Bachelors and Masters). He was employed in various industries over the years including: United States Steel, General Motors, Weyerhaeuser, and Westinghouse. Later, George was called upon as a special contractor-consultant for the U.S. Government (DoD), at the United States Embassy, Baghdad, Iraq.
His love of music included playing trumpet, bass guitar and producing musical arrangements for: USS (Gary Steel) Band, the U.S. Army Band, the Fire Truck Authority Band, Snickers (local band) and Leviathan.
In 1990, George met his sweetheart, Jo Ellen Tison in Jackson, MI. They married Jan 01, 1994, on a beautiful cliff in Maui, Hawaii, happily sharing interests in fishing, cooking and travel. Both carried on his father’s business legacy, Real War Photos, since the elder’s passing in 2004, supplying veterans and their families with photo memories of time in service.
George cherished his family and friends who knew him as a sweet and thoughtful man who enjoyed hosting holiday meals and giving well thought out prayers to make it a true thank you to God for so many blessings.
George is survived by “the love of my life”, his wife, Jo Ellen; brother, Greg Chizmar; son, Damon Chizmar (Todd Johanesen); daughter, Amy (Jason) Geary; and was blessed with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Prominent in his daily life, were step-son Jason (Kristin) Bowling; and grandchildren, Tyson and Lily; brother-in-law, Terry (Grace) Tison; and sister-in-law, Nancy (John) Aulisa.
Celebration of life will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, 11:00AM at the Somerset Congregational Church, 10449 N. Somerset Rd, Cement City, MI 49233. A private Interment will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI, with honor guard, gun salute and taps from duel buglers to honor his time in service and great love for our country.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite veteran organization.
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Comments
I’m so sorry to hear about George. Although I didn’t know George well, Mom and Dad thought the world of him. Sending our love and sympathy to you and your family. Kathy and Carl
JoEllen, you are in our thoughts and prayers every day as you traverse this difficult time. Please know we are here for you if you need anything or just a friend to talk to.
All our love,
Charley and Barb
Mitch and I were so sorry to hear of George's passing. What a wonderful life he lived. Many prayers and love to yyou all.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I only met him a couple of times, and he seemed like the kind of father/grandfat her we would all love.
You are in my thoughts.