George Menne

George E. Menne, age 91, of Richland, MI died on Monday evening, March 15, 2021. He was born on July 12, 1929, the son of LeRoy W. and Bess Ina (Walker) Menne. George was born, raised and lived his entire life within a 30-mile area of Kalamazoo. He grew up on the second-generation family farm in Galesburg, Michigan and lived a farm-boy's life. At the age of 19, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, Reserve and went on Active Duty from 1950-1952 during the Korean Conflict. His time in the U.S. Marine Corps took him to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina for training - "boot camp" and subsequently was assigned to the 2nd Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force (FMF), Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Upon his final separation from active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps, he returned back home where he lived out his life. George was an exceptionally skilled craftsman who enjoyed carpentry and woodworking. He was an expert in carpentry, and could build anything. He used his expertise to design and build the first two homes for he and his bride, Geraldine (Geri) as they began their marriage and as their family grew. He combined his skills as a woodworker to become a patternmaker with Gibson Guitar in Kalamazoo. He often spoke of the musical instruments that he created, banjos, guitars, etc., and the tools and jigs that he would design to enable subtle design intricacies and to save money and time for the company. George worked for Gibson for many years, until they decided to relocate to Memphis, Tennessee. They offered George the opportunity to join them in Memphis, a true recognition of his skills, but he chose to stay in the area that he loved, and instead, retired from Gibson in 1985. Following retirement, George could always be found in his woodshop designing something new. It was fascinating to see the way he transformed simple wood into new creations. George enjoyed traveling, with local day trips throughout the area with family, and to several locations throughout the United States and overseas to visit family members serving in the military, daughter Missy and son Mark. He was an avid "bargain hunter", and he always looked forward to attending auctions in Shipshewana and local flea markets to find the perfect "deal" to add to his woodshop, or, much to Geri's dismay, something for the home. George loved to look out his front picture window to watch the birds at the birdfeeder and wave as the neighbors drove by. His family has many fond memories of their time with Dad which include family camping trips, Lake Michigan beach trips, learning to ride a bike in the front yard, a two-story playhouse which he built in the backyard, summer evening swims at the local lake, annual summer trips to Cedar Point, his bargain purchases of Hostess fruit pies from the day-old bread store, and his venture into sailboat ownership and sailing Gull Lake. We will miss Dad, but we know that he is reunited again with our Mom, family and friends. George is survived by his children, Stuart T. (Thersia J.) Menne of Otsego, MI, Mark J. (Kelly L.) Menne of Sheridan, OR and Melissa M. "Missy" (Robert V.) Innocenti of Vicenza, Italy; 15 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was sadly preceded in death by his beloved wife, Geraldine L. "Geri" (Barnes) Menne on March 31, 2015. He was also preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Walker and Richard Menne; a sister, Mary Jane (Menne) Winterburn. Due to current Covid restrictions cremation has taken place and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held later in the year when it is safe to gather again. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in George's honor may be directed to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd., Holland, MI 49423. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of George may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.