He was born on August 3, 1948 in Salem, IL the son of Oscar and Margaret. He was a veteran of the Viet Nam War, having served in the U.S. Army from 1967 – 1970. He married Klara Wachtler on May 9, 1970 in Rock Falls. George had worked for Quality Ready Mix for 20 years. He was an avid golfer and excellent wood worker.
Survivors include his wife, Klara; brother, Dallas Branson; sister, Elizabeth Branson; nieces: Pam, Christine, Janette and special niece Jodi, who helped with taking care of George with his medical needs; great nieces: Kaitlin, Makaley and special great niece Sasha, who helped with George’s dialysis; great nephew Jameson; and special great great niece Kinsley.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James; nephew Brock; great niece Madison; and sister in law Connie.
A gathering of friends and family will take place on Monday, December 22, 2025 from 2-4 p.m. at the McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory in Rock Falls. Military honors will follow at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his memory to Happy Tails shelter or St. Mary Catholic Church, Tampico.
Condolences can be shared at mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.
