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In loving memory of
George A. Bakalyar
March 27, 1921 - November 9, 2010
George Albert Bakalyar was born on March 27, 1921, at home in Lakefield, Minnesota to the late Andrew and Susan (Matasovsky) Bakalyar. He received his education in the Lakefield Public Schools; graduating in the Class of 1939. He then attended Worthington Junior College for two years. In 1944, George enlisted in the United States Army and served during World War II until being honorably discharged in 1946 at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. George then returned to Windom and continued to serve his country as a member of the Army reserves until 1949.
On March 29, 1945, George was united in marriage to Doris Purrington in Windom, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with three children, Nancy, Douglas and Sandy. For thirty-six years, George worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as a linesman/technician until retiring in 1983. After retiring, George and Doris continued to live in Windom where they recently moved to Mikkelsen Manor. On November 7, 2010, George was admitted to the Windom Area Hospital and passed away there on Tuesday, November 9, 2010, at the age of 89.
Through the years, George was very involved in many activities at American Lutheran and Living Word Lutheran Churches in Windom. He also was very involved in his community as a charter member of the Windom Chordhustlers, on the planning committee for the Windom Community Center, a member of the American Legion Post #206 in Windom and was a recipient of the Windom Mayor's Medal of Honor.
George was happiest when spending time with his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. George and Doris enjoyed following local sports and received the Fans of the Year award one year. They loved camping with their kids and grandkids and later joined the Holiday Ramblers RV group and made many wonderful friends.
George is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Doris Bakalyar of Windom; three children, Nancy (Kurt) Evans of North Mankato; Douglas (Jeanne) Bakalyar of Mankato; Sandy (Jim) Robinson of Windom; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, Kari Evans and her daughter, Samantha; Katie (Andy) Dessner and their children, Tyler and Brielle; Sara (Corey) Barfknecht and their children, Cody and Layna; Kent (Sara) Evans and their children, Macie and Brayden; and Amy Robinson; one sister and two brothers, Lillian Bakalyar of Worthington; Joe Bakalyar of Cherokee, IA; Carl (Arlene) Bakalyar of Preston, MN; and many nieces and nephews.
George is preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Tom, Andy, Ted, Larry, Art and Leroy Bakalyar; four sisters, Lil-Lil Bakalyar, Margaret Wiezorek, Susan Matasovsky and Ethel Scholten.
Blessed be the memory of George Bakalyar.
Tributes
"Was so touched to see Uncle George and Aunt Doris at my Mom's funeral. Have many great memories of getting together with the family in Windom."
"Dear Ones: One of the really Good Guys has gone to Glory but we have such great memories of him. The entire Bakalyar Family is special to me."
"I am so sorry to hear of George's passing. What memories I have of him and all of your family. It was always a great day when my parents brought us to Windom and we could see everyone."
"Jim,Sandy and Family Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything you need let us know"
"Dear Doris, Nancy, Sandy and Doug. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know you have many great memories of your dad and husband."
"I have many fond memories of Uncle George. May God bless and keep him."
"Doris & family: We extend our deepest sympathies to all of you in your loss. Larry remembers the many nights of practices for the Gospelaires. Blessings to all of you as you reflect on your memories of your husband and dad."
"So sorry to hear abour you loss, my prayers and thoughts are with you."
"George was about as devoted of a volleyball grandpa as you could get along with Grandma Doris! I enjoyed chatting to George and Doris the past years while watching volleyball together. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Doris, Sandy and families on the loss on a very nice man that I had the opportunity to get acquainted with through volleyball games and while residing at Michelson Manor. God's Blessings to you all at this sad time."
"Doris and Family Visisted with you at volley ball games. George will be missed. He is resting with the Lord."
"Dear Doris, Nancy, Sandy, Doug and families, May God bless all your wonderful memories of your Dad. I have many sweet memories of him myself and know that he is in a better place but will be dearly missed by his loving family. God bless you all."
"Although it?s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow "
"I am so sorry for your loss. I can see from the pictures a very proud Man. Very involved in our community. As a member of our community, Men like George, made a good strong foundation for Windom. God bless you Sandy as you deal with his passing."
"Sandy and Families, Sorry to hear of your dads passing. I remember seeing your folks at most of the sporting events. Hold on to the memories you have made, lean on your family and friends to help you through. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families. Bless the memory of George."
"God bless the family of a real first class gentleman! George set the example for others to follow in how to live life!"
"Dear Doris, Sandy and family, Ken and George sang together for 30 years. It won't seem the same to go to a Barbershopper concert and not see him in the chorus. But now he is singing with the perfect choir, and I am sure he is taking a leading role. Blessed be his memory."
"Bakalyar Family, Sorry to hear of Georges passing. I have many good memories from the ALC, Sunday School and Church, Doris & George always had a smile and a good word. I am sure Mom and George are now visiting in God's House. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. God's Blessing to you all."
"We love you, Great Grandpa George. We'll miss you. "
"Uncle George was always fun to discuss sports with, and always available to help my Mom when in need. I'll miss him in deed."
"Doris, Sandy, Jim and Family....I was sad to hear that George had passed away. It was a good day for him, but not for you guys. I've never seen anyone with such determination, facing all the obstacles he had to overcome. He didn't give up on anything. God Bless you all, and know that it was an honor to help him at Mikkelson. Please take care of each other."