Died June 1, 2021
George M. VanDusen of Williamston, Michigan (45 years) and Jacksonville, Florida (5 years) died Tuesday, June 1 at McGraw Community Hospice surrounded by his loving family.
Born on January 24, 1936 to Earl VanDusen and Ethel Tifft, he grew up in Little Falls, Minnesota and then moved to Chicago. A talented athlete, he played football for the University of Illinois before getting injured. His parents, two sisters, Margaret and Ruth and his infant son George Jr preceded George in death.
George married his best friend Gloria on September 8, 1956 after having met at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, where they both attended. George had a love for education and continued to pursue multiple degrees from Purdue, Indiana University and finally his PHD from Michigan State University, College of Education. His first postgraduate job was teaching history at a School for Boys in Indiana. He was 20 years old. In 1964 George received a professor appointment in the Michigan State University College of Education while servings as the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Affairs in the College of Engineering. While serving in that role, he developed the Engineering Equal Opportunity Program (now Diversity Programs), Women in Engineering, The Engineering Arts Program and The High School Engineering Institute. He capped his illustrious career as the Interim Dean of Engineering until 1999 and then did a year Consultanship when they finally let him retire.
George and Gloria raised three children Roger, Grant and Valerie who grew up in vintage homes that were always being renovated. While Gloria developed a thriving antique business, George taught the kids the joys of living on a farm and coached their hockey teams. He loved the outdoors and the family had many wonderful vacations fishing and traveling the country.
After retiring from Michigan State in 2000, George and Gloria began wintering in Florida. They moved to Cypress Village in Jacksonville full time in 2016. George pursued his second love, vocal music. He was a gifted and much sought after baritone, singing with several local choirs including Singers by the Sea, Cypress Village Choir and First Christian Church of the Beaches. George was an inspiration to all who appreciate music. George never met a stranger. He had a wonderful, infectious laugh that could be heard from corridors away.
George is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Gloria, children, Roger (Tracy) of St. Augustine, FL Grant, of Jacksonville, FL and Valerie Naylor (Jim) of Bardstown, KY. , Grandchildren Ashley, Emily Kelly, (Matt), Gordon and Morgan and great grandchildren Raynee, Chanz and Easton.
A memorial service will be held at First Christian Church of the Beaches in Neptune Beach, Florida on June 26, 2021 at 11:00a.m with a luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Michigan State University. George M. and Gloria R. VanDusen Endowed Engineering Scholarship should be included in the memo line. Gifts can be mailed to:
Michigan State University
University Advancement
Spartan Way
535 Chestnut Road, Room 300
East Lansing, MI. 48824
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