"Nancy, I just received word of George's death. I have fond memories of his doing a drama piece with me to introduce a Gospel. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
In loving memory of
George Robert Wylie
May 5, 1940 - October 30, 2010
George Robert Wylie, 70, died at his home on Saturday, October 30, 2010, in Ames. A gathering of friends and family will be Tuesday, November 2, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in the Fireside Room at Collegiate United Methodist Church in Ames. A Celebration of Life service will be 2:00 pm, Wednesday, November 3, at Collegiate United Methodist Church in Ames.
George was born May 5, 1940, in Kingston, PA, the son of George Harrison and Lola (Simoson) Wylie. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Des Moines. He attended Mason City Jr. College, The University of Iowa and Drake University. He married Nancy Bartusek on April 29, 1962, in Grafton, IA.
George spent the majority of his career in broadcasting and communications; at KCCI from 1967 until 1983, and WOI from 1984 until 1989. He then sold Real Estate for five years before becoming Director of Communications for the Iowa Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, retiring in 2001. He was an active member of Collegiate United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife Nancy of Ames; daughter, Pam (Jeff) Spangler of Urbandale; son, Eric (Krista) Wylie of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Nicholas and Christopher Spangler, and Nathan and Rachel Wylie; mother, Virginia Wylie of Des Moines; brothers, Bill Wylie of St. Louis Park, MN and Doug (Sylvia) Wylie of Parkville, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be directed to Collegiate United Methodist Church for the Emergency Residence Project or Good Neighbors.
Online condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.
Tributes
"Nancy, I just received word of George's death. I have fond memories of his doing a drama piece with me to introduce a Gospel. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"Nancy, I just received word of George's death. I have fond memories of his doing a drama piece with me to introduce a Gospel. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"With great sadness I learn of George's passing away. I worked with George when I was the Chair of the Commission on Religion and Race. He was always willing to provide wonderful communication resources for all of our Commission's events. He even taught me how to operate a video projector. In the Conference newsletter, he always uplifted minority achievments. When he served as an interim Council Director, he was very vocal in adovating ethnic minority issues. In that capacity he provided very valuable assistance to the Commission's work. It is sad that we lost a true servant of God. My prayers are with the family during this time of mourning. My sympathy to his family and his friends. "
"Dear Nancy and family,
Rebecca and I were deeply saddened to learn of George's death. We remember his vivacious presence on the Iowa Conference staff, and I was privileged to work alongside him. He always seemed to have a new idea to explore or a wry comment the share.
Our prayers are with you in this difficult time. May God's warm embrace enfold you."
"Nancy and family....
Hearing the news of George's passing stunned me. He was the rock of our newscast at WOI-TV, the seasoned veteran I learned so much from on how to approach our on-air, and also off-air, presentation. My deepest sympathy and condolences to you, his family. And to George, my friend, you will never be forgotten!"
"We just heard of George's death and wanted you to know we are thinking of you at this difficult time. May God give you the strength you need to get through the days ahead and may memories ease your pain and loss. Our most sincere condolences go out to you."
"To the Wylie Family: I worked with George at WOI as did my first wife, Jerilyn Donovan. He always had such warmth and fun humor. I was just a student journalist at the time, but he always treated me with kindness. May the good Lord bless all of you and hold George in his loving arms."
"Nancy and family, Darlene and I extend our sympathies and prayers. George was a geat and talented guy. We recall our times together. God bless."
"Dear Nancy and family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss and want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Nancy and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying that God will comfort you all and provide peace in the days and weeks ahead"
" George was a gracious, caring man. His wonderful sense of humor and concern for others was a continuing source of joy and comfort to all of us who knew him as a friend. We are c;urrently out of state and cannot be present for his services, but we will certainly be with all of you in spirit. Our best to all the family."
"Growing up, I always thought of George as the celebrity of the family since he was on TV. He was such a down-to-earth and great person, however, that he never really fit the celebrity image. I am so sorry for Nancy, Pam, and Erik and the rest of the family in this loss. May God bless you with His presence and peace, and comfort you with memories."
"Thinking of you,Nancy, Eric, & Pam. George & Nancy are such great people. We share your loss. "
"I worked with George at KCCI-TV in the late 70's and early 80's. Was fortunate enough to see him at the station reunion party in June. Great sense of humor, and a good colleague. God Bless."
"Eric and rest of the Wylie family,
I'm truly sorry for your loss."
"Eric, I'm so sorry for the lost of your Dad. I am praying for you and your family to make it through this difficult time. God is with all of you. "
"Nancy, Eric & Pam, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. His was a life centered on God and Family...what a way to be remembered. May you always cherish the memories. God bless you all."
"We were really looking forward to having Thanksgiving with you again but know George will be eating at the Lord's table. Bet he will have better fare then at our table. Just remember all the wonderful Thanksgivings we had together. Love you all. Prayers are being raised for you. God will supply your needs."