Dr. George Frederick Fanta

Dr. George Frederick Fanta, 89, of Morton, formerly of Peoria, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born on August 30, 1934 in Chicago, a son of George F. Fanta and Hermina (Hermann) Fanta. George married Carmen Viola Amado on September 7, 1957 in Evanston and they enjoyed a wonderful 54 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on September 15, 2011 in Peoria.

He was also preceded in death by his parents.

George is survived by his three children, Steven (Julie) Fanta of Morton, Linda (Brian) Troemel of Spring Grove, and Julie (Eric) Carson of Aurora; 11 grandchildren, Joey (Amy) Fanta, Bobby (Betsi) Fanta, Katie (Chris) Guth, Becky (Tyler) Ropp, Chelsea (Luke) Bowman, Stacey (Doug) Weier, Alec (Hayley) Troemel, Abby Troemel, Ben Carson, Neal Carson, and Adam Carson; 17 great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Zachariah, and Annaliese Fanta, Zebadiah, Lillian, and Silas Fanta, Bailey, Kylie, and Ray Guth, Lewis Ropp, Everett, Ross, Laila, and Levi Bowman, Josie and Lucy Weier, and Theodore Troemel. He was overjoyed at the news that two more great-grandchildren are on the way.

He graduated from Morton Junior College, Purdue University, and the University of Illinois, receiving his Phd. in Organic Chemistry.

George worked as a research chemist for the USDA National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria for 57 years, retiring in 2022 at the age of 86.

Dr. Fanta, along with other chemists, developed three distinct classes of groundbreaking technologies: Superabsorbent polymers "Super Slurper"- commercialized globally and adopted in a wide variety of applications such as disposable diapers, seed coating, and medical products that resulted in a $100 billion industry; Encapsulated oils (Fantesk) - enormous value as dry lubricants or flavoring; and High productivity route making amylose inclusion complexes (AIC). Throughout his career, George served as a mentor to many young scientists from around the world and has received many awards and grants. His research resulted in 34 U.S. Patents, over 50,000 patents issued globally based on the technology developed by George and his team at NCAUR. He was recognized with 15 awards from the government, USDA, chemical societies, and stakeholders. George loved his work and in 2023 was inducted into the USDA - ARS Science Hall of Fame.

He was a member of First Federated Church in Peoria, where he enjoyed serving in the church choir for many years. He enjoyed challenge level square dancing with his wife, Carmen, for over 50 years. George was an avid photographer and enjoyed metal and woodworking.

George was kind, humble, generous, and devoted to his family and will be greatly missed.

George's funeral service will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at First Federated Church in Peoria. Rev. Steve Barch will officiate. His visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am also on Saturday at church. Entombment will be in the Chapel of Peace Mausoleum at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Peoria Affiliate Clinic.

Online condolences may be shared with George's family at www.Davison-Fulton.com.