George W. Purucker

George W. Purucker, 83, of Blackhawk Island, passed away surrounded by his children on Tuesday afternoon, May 21, 2019 at Fort Memorial Hospital. George was born on April 14, 1936 in Lake Mills to Alice G. (Wolff) and George J. Purucker. He graduated from Fort Atkinson High School and lettered thirteen times in football, baseball, basketball and track. He attended Lawrence University in Appleton and graduated with his Bachelor’s degree. While at Lawrence, he played football and was co-captain with his best friend, Charles K. Thompson. Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the United States of America Marine Corps. as a second lieutenant with the first marine division in Camp Pendleton, California. He was very proud to have served his country as a United States Marine. George retired from UW-Provisions as an inside sales representative. After retirement, he continued to work part-time for Atlas Mike’s Bait for several years. George had a passion for the outdoors and was an active enthusiast of hunting, fishing, being in the marsh and living in his home on Blackhawk Island. This passion was shared with his children and grandchildren, which thrives in them today. They all know to “make their list” before deer season. He could always be found in his chair, looking out the window, at his birds or other wildlife. He enjoyed watching the traffic and boats go by on the river. George also had a passion for collecting. He loved going to rummage sales, estate sales and auctions, and would research and gather information on special treasures or collectible items that he would find. He gifted and shared many of these treasures with his children and grandchildren. Decoys, fishing lures, fishing poles, tackle boxes and shell boxes were his favorite finds. For many years, George enjoyed traveling to Florence County in Northern Wisconsin. He enjoyed deer hunting for over fifty years with the same Crew that originated from his friendship with Charlie Thompson. George would also take his special friend, Sharon, on trips north to fish, hike and see the fall colors. These trips and times spent with Sharon were some of his most special memories. George supported the Fort Atkinson Wisconservation Club by serving a term as president and a member of the club for well over forty years. He was also a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and supported many other wildlife groups. Grandpa George, G.P. and Ol’ Guide were just a few of the loving nicknames given to him by his children and grandchildren. With his own unique way, George would share many stories and life lessons that almost always resulted in laughter. It was not unusual to find a plastic grocery bag hanging on your mailbox or on your door knob with treasures inside with a note. George is survived by his loving children, Molly (Stan) Kempema, George(Lisa) Purucker, Alice (Dale Buckingham) Purucker, and Luke Purucker; beautiful grandchildren, Nathan (Hannah) Kempema, Daniel (Olivia Gilkey-Meisegeier) Kempema, Morgan (Lars Wallace) Purucker, Rachel (Annie) Bialek-Purucker, Owen Purucker, and Addison Purucker; brother, James F. (Linda) Purucker, and their children. He is preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; and his special friend, Sharon. He will be missed by his friends, in and around Fort, at Soup’s On, Beinfang’s, Kwik Trip, Southside Shell and many other local places. George enjoyed making friends wherever he would go. His children want to express their sincere thanks and appreciation for those friendships. Services in honor of George will take place at 11 A.M. on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson. A visitation will take place at the church from 9 A.M. until the time of services. A burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery after services with a luncheon to follow. Memorials can be made in George’s name to Bethany Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson. Nitardy funeral home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family with arrangements. www.nitardyfuneralhome.com