George Keubke

George Joseph Keubke, age 95, of Portage, MI and formerly of Gull Lake (Richland), MI died Wednesday morning, January 31, 2018 at Bickford Cottage, Portage, MI. George, the son of William J. and Anna M. (Schmit) Keubke, was born in Chicago, IL on August 2, 1922 and was a 1939 graduate of Lincoln High School of Manitowoc, WI. He served his Country honorably and nobly in both World War II and the Korean War as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. George saw action in the South Pacific, Japan and Korea with the 32nd Infantry Division. He met his future wife, Betty, when he was discharged after World War II from Fort Custer, Augusta, MI. George was the Owner and Operator of the Dental Arts Lab of Kalamazoo for over 50 years. Both Betty and George enjoyed all the pleasures afforded lake living on Gull Lake for 68 years especially fishing, ice boating, hunting and snowmobiling. They were mainstays in their younger years at the old Bayview Gardens, of which George was part-owner. He was a member of the Yorkville Community Church; the Hickory Corners American Legion Post # 484; member of the B.P.O. of Elks Lodge # 131 of Battle Creek and the Civil Air Patrol. George was a huge Green Bay Packers fan; he had his private pilot's license and enjoyed flying in his younger years. George was united in marriage to the former, Betty June Sprague in Angola, IN on February 9, 1946 and "Bootsie" sadly preceded George in death just last month, on December 9, 2017. Also surviving are sister's-in-laws, Helen Keubke of Battle Creek and Jean Johnson of North Carolina; nephews, Cliff (Bea) Bigley of Arizona and Norman (Shirley) Saunders of Florida along with several other nieces and nephews. God did not bless Betty and George with children although he had a loving relationship for many decades with Liz and Harry Snyder from Richland. George was also preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bill Keubke. Family and friends will gather at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89) on Saturday morning, June 2nd from 10:00 a.m. until 11:20 a.m. to share memories. The Graveside Service to celebrate both Bootsie's and George's life will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the Yorkville Cemetery, Ross Township, with the Rev. Shan Martin, officiating and the United States Army Honor Guard bestowing military honors for George. Family and friends will continue the life celebration of Betty and George with a time of fellowship and luncheon immediately following the committal service at The Dock at Bayview, 12504 East D Avenue, Richland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in their honor may be directed to the Bickford Cottage, 4707 W. Milham Road, Portage, MI 49024. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is assisting George and Betty's family. Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel.