George H. Bemis

George Howard Bemis, longtime Elkhart resident, loving son, husband, father and friend, died on May 15, 2008 in Lake Wales, Florida after a sudden and brief illness.

George was born in Springfield, Illinois, the only son of Helen Luken and George Bemis. He always spoke fondly of his summers spent at the family farm in Litchfield, IL.

After high school in Decatur, IL, George served with the U.S. Army in France and Germany during WWII. He was called back to duty during the Korean Conflict in stateside assignments.

George's business career was varied and diverse. He started in advertising with the Decatur Herald and Review and the South Bend Tribune. In his career he held a variety of positions in advertising, marketing and sales with companies and organizations as diverse as the South Bend Tackle Co., St. Mary's College, Kentucky Fried Chicken (where he arranged for Norman Rockwell to paint Col. Harland Sanders portrait), Jayco and Avalon.

After retirement, George spent winters in Lake Wales, FL where he had a career of making many new friends.

George is a past-president of the Elkhart Noon Optimist Club and a longtime member of the Elkhart Breakfast Optimist Club. He was a longtime fan of Irish football, Hoosier basketball and Cardinal's baseball.

George is survived by his loving wife, Marieta E. Bemis. They would have been married sixty years in June. He is also survived by his four children and spouses, Nancy Bemis, John (Patricia Lillis) Bemis, Anita Burger and Peggy (Jack) Springman, and the proud grandfather of Loren and Paige Burger and Clayton and Victoria Springman. He is also survived by his favorite cousin, Lana Luken.

Friends may call from 5-8 pm Tuesday at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, Elkhart where a Vigil service will be held at 6:30 pm Tuesday. Friends may also call a half hour prior to the 11:00 am Wednesday Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1405 N. Main St. Elkhart. Fr. Bill Sullivan will officiate. Burial will be in Litchfield, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, please remember George to the St. Thomas Capital Campaign Fund.