"Skip was a genuinely good man. My condolences to all left behind.The joy & love in his heart lives on in those of us who were lucky to know him. Aloha, Bob Schwager "
In loving memory of
George B. Pickup
March 5, 1938 - February 28, 2018
George B. "Skip" Pickup, 79, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday morning, February 28, 2018.
A celebration of George's life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 5, 2018, from 3 to 7 P.M. at the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.
George Bert Pickup was born on March 5, 1938 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to George and Virginia (Sweeney) Pickup. He was a graduate of North Division High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On August 30, 1958 he was united in marriage to Shirley Lueck and four children were born to this marriage: Beth, George, Sue and Lori. Shirley preceded him in death on April 25, 1993. He later married Linda Swanson Sturtz on February 25, 2006. He added two more children to his family, Darci and Tyler.
George was a pharmaceutical sales representative for McKesson Corp. for over 40 years. He enjoyed his job very much, meeting many pharmacists that became his dear friends. He maintained contact with his coworkers and his customers for many years even after he retired.
George was a member of First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. He loved watching his grandchildren's activities and was an avid Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan. He also enjoyed playing golf, bocce ball and cards, both in Maquoketa and Florida. He was a social person who loved visiting with all of his friends and family from near and far, and every gathering he was known for saying, " I love this whole atmosphere."
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Linda Pickup of Maquoketa, IA; children, Beth (Mark) Hillebrand of Maquoketa, IA, George (Cathy) Pickup of Delmar, IA, Sue (Scott) Toy of Long Grove, IL, Lori (Stuart) Swanson of Galt, IA, Darci (Kary) Becker of Maquoketa, IA, and Tyler (Katie) Sturtz of Marion, IA; 13 grandchildren, Zach Hillebrand, Tyler Hillebrand, Carolyn Pickup, George "Gus" Pickup, Adelai Swanson, Celeste Swanson, Lilian Swanson, Delia Swanson, Alex Becker, Ashley Becker, Abe Becker, Avery Sturtz, and Kendall Sturtz; two nephews, one niece and many dear friends and classmates. He was preceded his father, his mother, two sisters, a brother, his wife Shirley, and a grandchild.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a George B. "Skip" Pickup memorial fund has been established.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Tributes
"Thinking of Family at this difficult time in Prayer, Sincerely Lorna Dewell"
"I didn't know your father, George as well as your mother, Shirley whom I worked with for many years at Maquoketa Care. She was a riot to know. Sympathy to you children and grandchild at this difficult time. Please know that I pray for God to be with you and help you through this time. "
"Dear Linda, I just read Saturday's Maquoketa paper. So very sorry to read that George has died. Please know that I am thinking of you and sending love and sympathy to you and George's whole family. Love, Linda"
"I have lots of good memories of the Pickups . Skip was alway nice and had a smile . To the entire family mydeepest sympathy for your loss. "
"My heart goes out to all of you. George was a one of a kind! Hugs to all of you. Dawn Roe"
"Linda: I am so sorry to hear about George. He was a great guy and will be missed. I send hugs to you. "
"Linda: I am so sorry for your loss in the passing of George. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"So sorry to hear of Georges passing. We always had a great time golfing with him at the club. Howard & Kate Johnston"
"GEORGE was the 1st person I met after moving to Maquoketa. We have kept in contact over the years and I will truly miss him. He was an awesome guy. Rest in Peace George."
"Wow, so shocked to hear this news. He just went through the receiving line at my Dad's visitation last Saturday. I am so sorry to hear about George's passing. My thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. Rhonda (Disney) Gohlmann"
" You are in our thoughts, hearts and prayers."
"I am so sorry to hear about George's passing. I was lucky enough to know him when I was a little girl growing up down the street in Maquoketa and also in the recent years while I visited my parents in Florida. He was always happy. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family. "
"We will not ever forget you our friend "
"We will not ever forget you our friend "
"Dear Linda and Families: We are so saddened to learn of George's death. All who knew him will remember his eternal good humor and his happiness nearly 100% of the time. We will miss him on your annual trek to The Villages. George put up a long, valiant fight. And.... he fought it courageously. Simply put..he was a hell of a guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dean and Karen Tilton"
"Linda and family, you have our deepest sympathies on the loss of George. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. "
"George was a long time friend and called on my store---Widner Drug--Manchester for many years. So sad Great guy Bob Sack R.Ph."
"So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family."
"So very sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. "
"During this difficult time know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Regards, John Reagan"
"I'm deeply sadden to hear of your family's lost. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless! Krystal Robinson"
"Thoughts and prayers to all the family. Hold onto all the wonderful memories. God Bless. Jeremy, Jennifer, Joel & Jansen Garner"
"So sorry for your loss. Beyond the many people who will share you loss, hoping that your fond memories provide comfort now and in the future. Sincerley Joe and Carmen Youngblood"
"Our thoughts are with George's family and friends. May the Lord be with you and give you His love and comfort. Ken and Chris Weuste"
"Lori and family - Our thoughts and prayers will continue. We are so sorry for your loss. God bless, Denise and Brent Ulven"
"Lori, Sue, and family- so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts will be with you in your time of sorrow. Best regards, Jim Dean (Kate Braun, Megan Dean, Andrew Dean)"
"Oh, Linda and family and George's family, I am so sad! "Skip" was a warm, witty guy and every conversation with him was fun! Linda and George had a great life together-Sorry that he is gone for sure! Love Linda Holmgren"
"So sorry for your loss."
"Our sincere sympathy to Linda and the whole family. George was a sweet, loving, friendly, funny and true friend to all he knew. Andy loved golfing with George, Jake and Stubby. We had such great times stopping by your place in Florida when we were vacationing. We will miss him terribly! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Please let us know if we can do anything for you, Linda.
Andy and Cheryl"
"Linda, Beth, George, Sue, Lori, Darci, Tyler and families. Remember his love of all of you and love of family, his sense of humor, a friend to all, not missing a GreenBay Packers or Iowa State, Iowa game, loved golf and playing cards with buddies at the Maquoketa Country Club, being able to spend time with Linda in their home in Florida, his calls to friends, attendance at First Lutheran, Going to his grandkids activities, playing Fantasy football. He was so proud of all of you. You have our deepest sympathy. Darrel and Sharon"
"Sorry for your loss! It seems like just yesterday Linda and George were in our shed at a party and talking up a storm, sharing memories. Such an awesome family - love you all. -Daryl & Kerry"
"Our sincere sympathy to Linda and the whole family. I know his nickname was Skip, but we always called him "Georgie" with endearing love. What a sweet, loving, friendly, funny and true friend to all he knew. He will be missed. Dick and Jody Connor"