George F. Hanisko

BESSEMER, Mich. — George F. Hanisko, of Bessemer, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, March 30, 2013, at the age of 93.

George was born on Aug. 24, 1919, in Ironwood, the son of Louis and Mary (Prosek) Hanisko.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Medical Detachment, 317th Field Artillery Battalion during World War II, and was honorably discharged on Jan. 9, 1946, as a technician fourth grade.

On Oct. 18, 1955, George was united in marriage with Shirley Ann Lotzer at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Ironwood, by the late Rev. Conrad Dishaw.

He was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673 in Bessemer.

George enjoyed farming, vegetable gardening and horseback riding.

He was a blacksmith at the Peterson Mine and White Pine Copper Co.

George is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley; two sons, Thomas (Verline), Mount Shasta, Calif., and Walter (Diane), Sturgeon Bay, Wis .; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and other loving relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, John, Julius, Joseph and Albert; and four sisters, Sophie Smaltz, Ann Smaltz, Mary Drover and Margaret Kuklenski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 5, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, with the Rev. Ben Hasse, celebrant.

Following the Mass, military rites will take place at the church under the auspices of Bessemer American Legion Post 27 and Bessemer VFW Post 3673 Honor Guard.

Lunch will be served in Father Swoboda Hall at the church following the military honors.

Rite of Committal and burial will take place in Sunset Acres Cemetery, Ironwood Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 210 E. Iron St., Bessemer MI 49911.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.