George E. Ethell

George E. Ethell, 98, of Caledonia (formerly from Manito, Illinois) passed away at 8:30 AM Saturday, February 4, 2017 in his home. He was born July 27, 1918 in Manito, son of Ralph and Mabel (Clauser) Ethell. He married his wife of 60 years, Opal M. Palmer on April 1, 1945. He is survived by his daughter Ila (Terry) Minnick, Caledonia, two grandchildren Heather (Aaron) Jones, Roseville, Minnesota and Ryan (Tiffany) Minnick, Rockford and three great-grandchildren, Olivia and Tate Jones, and Aisley Minnick. He was preceded in death by his wife Opal and one great-granddaughter, Payton Jones.
George graduated from Manito High School in 1935 and Brown’s Business College, Peoria, in 1937. He was employed by Commonwealth Edison, Pekin, Illinois for 38 years. George was a member of Hope Evangelical Free Church, Roscoe, Illinois where he participated in the AWLS singles group, Senior Saints and the Tuesday morning men’s breakfast.
He was an accomplished musician having played the alto horn in a community band and serving as organist for the Manito United Methodist Church for over 30 years. Following his retirement, he enjoyed working with wood and created many beautiful items.
George was a devoted man of God who enjoyed spending time with his family, especially the little ones. He was known for sharing great stories and serving as an accurate historian of times gone by. The family wishes to gratefully acknowledge VNA Hospice and his wonderful caregivers, Danuta Trzaska and Wieslawa Sicko.

Funeral service Thursday, February 9, 2017 at Hope Evangelical Free Church in Roscoe at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. Entombment service to be held Friday, February 10, 2017 at Meadow Lawn Cemetery Mausoleum at 11 a.m. in Manito, IL.
In lieu of flowers memorials in his name to Hope Evangelical Church or Rockford Rescue Mission.