George Michael Ding

George Michael Ding was a devoted husband, wonderful father, and caring Papa. He was called home to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, January 21, 2021 after a short but severe illness with coronavirus and pneumonia. Until his last moments, he was positive and brought joy to those who cared for him. George was born in Mandan, North Dakota on March 16, 1943 to Lucille Payer Ding and Carl F. Ding. He was raised on the homesteaded family farm in Hebron, North Dakota and attended Hebron Public School. He graduated from Hebron High School in 1961 and attended Dickinson State College where he received his bachelor’s degree in Business Education in 1965. He returned to Hebron and stepped into the role of the business teacher at Hebron High School in January 1966. He continued to help his father on the family farm throughout his years in college and as a young teacher.

George met Barbara Vieth in October 1968 after being introduced by a mutual friend, Jeff Auch. They were married on May 28, 1969. Barb and George lived in Hebron until moving to the family farm in April 1979. They had two children, Bryon Carl, born in 1974 and Sharolyn Liane, born in 1977. George continued to teach at the school full-time and assumed the role of “full-time” farmer after his father passed away in 1981. He became the principal of Hebron Public School in 1973. He received a vocational certification from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota and a Master’s degree in School Administration from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. George served as the Superintendent of Hebron Public School from 1991 until he retired in 2006 after 40 years of service.

George had several great loves in his life. His beautiful wife, his children and grandchildren, and the family farm were at the top of his list, along with the many staff, students, and families he served while at Hebron Public School. He genuinely loved people and you could find him serving on many community service projects and activities. From the Fall Festival Parade to Watermelon Days; from sweeping gym floors after basketball games to serving St. John Church as a member of the church choir and council, you would always find George lending a helping hand wherever he could.

After retirement, George and Barb enjoyed traveling to see family. They moved to Chandler, Arizona in 2011 to be closer to their first grandchild. George was active in the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church and was a member of the church choir. He was always engaged with his grandchildren’s education and could often be seen picking up kids after school and helping with homework.

George is survived by his wife, Barbara; his son, Bryon Carl of Grand Prairie, TX; his daughter and son-in-law, Sharolyn and Philip McClurg of Chandler, Arizona along with 2 grandchildren, Elaina Rose and Isaac James McClurg. He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Ding Hubsmith of Twin Falls, Idaho, and many other sister & brother-in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lucille Payer Ding and Carl Ferdinand Ding, and mother and father-in-law, Reverand Henry and Elaine Vieth.

Memorial services are planned tentatively July 2, 2021 in Hebron, North Dakota with further details to follow. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in George’s memory at the Hebron Public School.