George Near, age 66, died Tuesday, June 21.
George grew up in this area and made many friends here. On Aug. 3, 1994, he married the love of his life, Sharon (Sprague), after many years of courtship. After that time, George became part of the Gun Lake tribal community, of which his late wife Sharon was a member. He worked on security detail at the construction site during phase one. He went on to work in the kitchen at the casino before going to pursue one of his real passions, timbering.
George had been around and knew a lot about trees and wood. George would also get very excited about his hunting for morels and eating them.
George loved to sing hymns up front before the congregation at his church. He and Pastor Todd were given the name “socks and boots” for their Sunday duos at Bradley. (George: Socks, Todd: Boots).
He will be lovingly remembered by his siblings Carlisle “Curley” (Barb) Near, Christine Near; stepchildren Becky (Don) Baker, Billy Webber; grandchildren Dominik, Haven, Donavan; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Near.
Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, June 24, with an hour of visitation prior at Luella Collins Community Center, 419 126th Ave., Shelbyville.
In honor of George, and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bradley Indian Mission Church.
