He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was born November 27, 1919 in St. Paul Minnesota to his parents, William Valentine Waldoch and Anna Grzywinski Waldoch. He spent his early life at his family’s farm until joining the US navy in 1942 and served during WWII. He was stationed at NAS in Jacksonville, Fl. There the sailor met and married his Navy Wave, Ruth Marie Crouch, on January 16, 1944. They were married for 62 years. After being recalled to serve the Navy during the Korean War, George worked as a meat cutter, at A & P, and was a salesman for Singer Sewing Machine Company for over 25 years. But his life accomplishment was being known as “The Honey Man.” He trained and mentored many beekeepers, becoming friends to many. He and Ruth owned and operated Waldoch Apiary. As a child, George worked with bees on his parents’ far ad continued to do so until his final days. He drove his ‘bee truck’ until age 96 and worked his bees as often as he could. He received many awards for his beekeeping, for which he was extremely proud.
George was predeceased by his wife, Ruth Marie Crouch and his daughter Jacqueline “Jackie” Marie Waldoch. He is survived by his brother, Raymond Waldoch; children, Janet Nora Waldoch Travis, Stephan “Steve” Lawrence Waldoch (Lauchlin), Jeroline “Jeri” Juanita Waldoch (Herb Smith); grandchildren, Jarret Lawrence Travis, Catherine Ashley Waldoch, Alexander Dawkins Waldoch , Jessica Ruth-Sue Travis.
A Visitation will be held on Friday, December 6th from 10:00-11:45 am at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 6th at 1:00 pm at St. Joseph’s Historic Church, 4214 Loretto Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32223 followed by the burial at Mandarin Cemetery, Mandarin Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32223.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME OF MANDARIN, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.
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