Tarrence George

Tarrence T. George,

Tarrence Thomas George, age 93, of Fridley, passed away on Wednesday, April 21. Terry was born January 24, 1928 in Channing, Michigan. A lifelong fan of sports and all things Michigan State University, his alma mater, he rarely missed a game when they played Minnesota. Terry never swore, except when the Spartans or the Vikings made a mistake. As an athlete himself, he set the school record for the mile run at Iron River High School. Terry finished his athletic career as a regular senior speedwalker at Northtown Mall.

Terry’s work as a journalist and photographer began in the East and ended with the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune before moving into public relations and sales. He was also a City Alderman for Wisconsin Rapids where he was awarded the key to the city. Terry’s campaign slogan was “Let George do it.” He served in the Navy and then the Army Reserves during the Korean War as a Captain. Known for his kindness and bad puns, Terry loved to make people laugh, sending two jokes a day to relatives and friends for years on end. Some days, when the material was scarce and times were hard, he offered inspiration for a better and more gentle world. The one person who never tired of his jokes, support, and his continuous love was his wife Helen. They met while attending college and were married for 70 years. Besides humor, he loved to read, collect and sell books by Minnesota authors. Terry and Helen were regulars at book signings. As an avid photographer and member of the Fridley Photography Club, Terry loved to share his pictures of Irish castles, stone bridges, and Bahamian beaches from his trips he took with Helen around the world. He served as a photography judge for the Anoka County Fair. As a loving father who attended track meets and band concerts, he and Helen raised five children, who as adults, still remember his punny puns. Terry was a true Midwesterner who always made sure the bird feeder was full, the Christmas lights were off by ten, and the recyclables and trash were out on the curb the night before.

Terry is survived by his wife Helen George of Fridley, his sister, Della (Jerry) Steffen of Milwaukee, WI, his five children, Richard George of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Dr. Frances (Jim) Paris of Boyne City, MI, Phillip (Lynn) George of Elk River, MN, Laurel George of Fridley, MN and William George of Richmond, VA, four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren plus nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. Services at Miller Funeral Home in Fridley will be private.