George W. Pesanka, age 66, of Plover, died peacefully at home on June 24, 2014 following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

George was born March 11, 1948 to the late Edward & Cecilia (Kloss) Pesanka in Chicago, IL. In 1961 his family moved to Wisconsin. George graduated from Marathon High School in 1965 and subsequently, attended North Central Technical College. He received an associate degree in computer programming.

He was inducted into the US Army on February 13, 1968. During his time of service, George received a Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, a Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Bronze Star, a Combat Infantryman Badge, and an Army Commendation Medal. He was honorably discharged on September 17, 1969.

Following his military service, George attended UWSP and majored in Theater Arts. After graduating in 1973, he became employed at Sentry Insurance. George began as a scheduler in the computer room and advanced accordingly after many years of dedicated service. George retired from Sentry in September of 2003 as a Senior Analysts Programmer. He later decided to return to work and found employment at St Vincent de Paul Community Center.

While attending UWSP, he met the love of his life. His marriage to Judith Sorenson took place on September 9, 1972 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Atkinson, WI.

George will be remembered as a family man who conveyed an enduring amount of love and support towards his family and friends. His sense of humor and friendly nature will live on the hearts of those who know him. Faith was important to George as he was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He served on the Church Council, and the Building and Grounds Committee. In his spare time, George enjoyed bowling, playing horse shoes, coin collecting, travel, singing with the Barbershoppers – Northern Gateway Chorus and Regal Blend Quartet.

He is survived by his wife, Judy of Plover; children, Geoff Pesanka of Phoenix, AZ, and Ryan (fiancée Elizabeth) Pesanka of Fort Mill, SC; siblings, Tom (Angie) Pesanka of Stevens Point and Herb (Sue) Hassel of Wausau; father in law, Clifford Sorenson of Fort Atkinson; special nieces and nephews; and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Tanya; and mother in law, Beverly Sorenson.

A Funeral Service, honoring a very special life, will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 29, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Steven Olson officiating. A time of visitation and sharing memories will be held on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Boston Funeral Home and also on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the Church. Interment will be held in Forest Cemetery with military honors.

George’s family would like to extend gratitude to Dr. Onitello, Dr. Rusek, and Dr. Barakeh, the second floor staff at St Michaels Hospital & Ministry Home Care Hospice for their compassionate care.