George Gannon

VISITATION

10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, May 2 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1300 Mansfield St., Chippewa Falls.

SERVICE

12 p.m., Saturday, May 2 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1300 Mansfield St., Chippewa Falls.

George Thomas Gannon, 83, of Chippewa Falls, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20, 2015 in Palm Springs, California.

He was born March 18, 1931 in Chippewa Falls to Marie Lillian (Larson) and George Alfred Gannon. He grew up in the apple orchards of Lafayette township, attended Bluff Elementary School and graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1948.

At the age of 17, George enlisted in the US Navy, and served honorably onboard the USS Buckley DD808 and the USS Pierce DD753.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, George returned to the Chippewa Valley where he worked for Meyer Oil, Madison Silo, Chippewa Woolens and Drummond Meat Packing. He then continued his education, graduating from the University of WI-Eau Claire with a BS in Education.

On June 18, 1959, he married the love of his life, Jacquelyn Garbisch in Granton, WI.

He taught high school in Drummond, Granton, Eau Claire, Spencer and Chippewa Falls in science, math, physical education and driver's education. For over 26 years, he coached a variety of sports including: varsity football, boys and girls basketball, baseball, tennis and golf. He also officiated for over 50 years.

After retiring from 35 years of teaching, George and Jacquie owned and operated Gannon Driving School for another 15 years. George continued to umpire baseball and softball and became a well-known presence behind the plate across the region. He was honored to enter the Chippewa Falls High School Hall of Fame; and was humbled to have a baseball field named after him at Casper Park in Chippewa Falls, the Gannon Family Baseball Field.

He was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church; the Elks Club; and the American Legion Post 77. George was a very generous man, offering sage advice when asked, helping others whether they were family, friend or stranger, gladly giving back to the community he loved and generously donating over ten gallons of blood to help those he would never know.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jacquie; four children, Ric (Lori Bishop) Gannon of Chippewa Falls, Deb (Patricia Rotter) Gannon of Sacramento, CA, Daniel Gannon of Paramount, CA, Ryan (Krista) Gannon of La Crosse; grandchildren, Pepsi (Chris) Solin, Nathan (Sarah Morgan) Gannon, all of Chippewa Falls, Lynn (Dan) Wendt of Idaho Falls, ID, Emily (Doug) Leskee of Minnetonka, MN, Lilli Gannon of La Crosse; great-grandchildren, Tripp and Finnley Solin, Baylee Jaquemart, Hazel and Miles Gannon, Alex and Will Wendt, and Ella and Baby Leskee, due in July; brother, Lawrence (Jana) Gannon of Eau Claire; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Gannon of Chippewa Falls; Jacquie's siblings who became his, brother-in-law Duane (Nancy) Garbisch of La Crosse, sister-in-law Kathleen (Jon) Czarnetzki of Davenport, IA and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Phillip Gannon.

A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m., Saturday, May 2 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls with the Rev. Paul Oppedahl officiating. Immediately following the service, military honors conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council will take place outside the church. Interment will be at Prairie View Cemetery, village of Lake Hallie.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m., Saturday at the church.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, donations to honor George can be made to the Community Foundation of Chippewa County http://www.yourlegacyforever.org via the George and Jacquie Gannon Family Endowment Fund (provides for future capital improvements for the ball field), PO Box 153, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729, or to the charity of the donor's choice.

AFTERSERVICE

A memorial service for George T. Gannon was held at 12 p.m., Saturday, May 2 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls. The Rev. Paul Oppedahl officiated and music was provided by keyboardist, Barbara Sandford, guitarist, Steve Olson and vocalists were George's children, Deb and Dan Gannon. Lectors were grandchildren, Pepsi Solin and Lilli Gannon and the eulogy was given by Deb and Dan Gannon and friends, Bob Nelson and Bill Faherty. Interment with military honors conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council was at Prairie View Cemetery, village of Lake Hallie with Taps bugled by Frankie Rineck.