George was born in Detroit on May 23, 1946, and was the firstborn son of George & Agnes (McLarney) Alaska. He attended Grosse Pointe High School then went on to become a skilled toolmaker and worked in the tool & die industry for over 40 years until his retirement in 2009.
He met the love of his life, Janet, when they were in kindergarten. After grade school they reconnected during a party when they were freshmen in high school. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married on June 11, 1966. The pair could not wait to start a family of their own. They were blessed with the birth of Andrea in 1967, followed by Carrie in 1968 and Jeffrey in 1973. Family meant everything to George, and he was always proud to tell anyone who would listen about his children’s accomplishments.
George’s favorite role was being a grandparent. He treasured his time with the grandchildren and loved being their Papa, never failing to take them fishing, on golf cart rides and swimming at the beach while at the cottage in Shady Shores. He also could always be found on the sidelines at any of the grandchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals and was a very vocal “coach” in the stands. Especially when they were babies, George was always eager to show off his grandkids. He never failed to charm any child he met with his famous Donald Duck voice impression.
George will always be remembered as a hard worker and for the way that he loved his family. We could not have asked for a better husband, Daddy, Pops, Papa, brother, uncle, and friend. We will miss him, and his hugs every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
Preceded in death by his parents George & Agnes Alaska, his sister Mary Ann, and his brother-in-law Pierre. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janet; daughters Andrea (Tim), Carrie, and his son Jeffrey (Anne Marie); grandchildren Elaine (Tim) (38), Nina (34), Adam (31), Grace (21), Logan (17), Sebastian (16) and Charlotte (15);great-grandchildren Dorothy (3), Oona (1); sisters Virginia, Gail, and Joan (Scott); brothers Gary (Shirley), Greg (Edna) and Gerry (Sandy) and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family will receive friends for a visitation at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores on Sunday, November 5, 2023 from 2:00 - 8:00 pm with an evening service beginning at 5:30 pm.
A Mass of the Resurrection will take place on Monday, November 6, 2023 at 10:30 am at St. Margaret of Scotland, 21201 E. Thirteen Mile Rd. in St Clair Shores. The family will greet friends at the church from 10:00 am until the time of the mass at 10:30 am. Interment will immediately follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Rd. in Clinton Twp.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of George to the Shorewood Kiwanis Club.
