Gregory Joseph George

November 5, 1956 – May 4, 2025

With the heaviest of hearts, we share that Gregory Joseph George of Dewitt, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, after a brave and relentless fight with ALS. He was 68 years old.

Greg was the beloved husband of Marianne for 40 years. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, strength, hard work, and three wonderful daughters - Ariel, Lilly, and Grace - who were his greatest pride and joy. He was the best girl dad anyone could ask for - tender, loyal, and always present. He did our hair, packed our lunches, cheered from the sidelines, and never missed a single game, meet, or moment. He was always behind his camcorder or camera. “I didn’t miss much,” he would say - and he truly didn’t miss anything.

Greg made his living - and his legacy - as a self-employed contractor. A perfectionist in every sense, he took pride in building things that would stand the test of time knowing his work would live on long after him. He was quick to joke that he wanted to be remembered by the words, “the poor schmuck tried,” but he did far more than try. He succeeded. He gave everything he had. He created, he provided, and he loved - all with quiet strength, purpose, pride, and unmatched integrity.

His happy place was Higgins Lake, where he took his girls camping at North Higgins Lake State Park and later created a family haven that became the heart of so many cherished memories. From boat rides and bonfires to music and storytelling under the stars, it was where he came alive. We always looked forward to the first campfire of the season, especially with Dad curating the playlist. Just last weekend, we were there together - our last beautiful memory with him in the place he loved most.

Our mom first fell in love with him watching him barefoot waterski. We all fell in love with his strength, humor, and the way he made ordinary things feel special. He had toys for every season - snowmobiles, jet skis, the Teryx ORV, his big, blue Sea Ray 210 Select that he was so proud of - and the courage to take on anything. He once climbed to the top of the Mackinac Bridge despite his fear of heights - just to share a once-in-a-lifetime moment with Lilly.

He had a sharp sense of humor, impeccable taste in music, and a one-of-a-kind personality. Greg was hilariously blunt and deeply loyal. You never had to wonder what he was thinking - he always told you straight and used questionable terms of endearment. He lived fully, fought bravely with everything he had, and left nothing undone. His presence was a force, his devotion unwavering, and his legacy one we will carry with us forever. He was the only brother to five sisters, and he loved his family fiercely. He welcomed his sons-in-law like his own and was counting down the days to meet his very first grandchild, George - the first boy in the family who is due in just a few short weeks. He was so excited to be “Grandpa.”

Our dad gave us the greatest childhood in the whole world and overflowed us with his abundant love. We will never be the same without him. He is such an inspiration. We will carry on his legacy, and he will be with us forever.

He is lovingly survived by his wife of 40 years, Marianne, and their daughters Ariel (Bob), Lilly, and Grace (Zach). He is also survived by his five sisters: Amy Decker, Sue Manssur (Chris), Janet George, Mary Grutter, and Jennifer Shiovitz (Jeff); as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and close friends. Greg also leaves behind a grandson, soon to arrive, who will grow up hearing countless stories of just how extraordinary his grandfather was.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in downtown DeWitt, Michigan, 205 E. Washington Street, DeWitt, MI 48820.

Greg’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Jude Catholic Church, with an hour of visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.

The family welcomes donations to the Susan Mast ALS Foundation or the Dream Foundation or simply asks that you honor Greg’s memory by raising a glass and playing a favorite song around a campfire - just as he would have loved.