George Naumczik

George Naumczik, 88, of La Grange, IL, passed away, Wednesday, December 18th, 2019, at Allure of Mount Carroll, with his two children at his bedside. Strong-willed and tough, he had fought a hard battle with cancer for 3 years while refusing outside help and maintaining his independence at his home until the very end.

George was born January, 17th, 1931 , in Chicago at the home of his parents, George and Tatiana (Ropij) Naumczik. He was the second youngest of nine children.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, George served as a fire control technician (FT2) on the USS Hopewell (DD-681), a Fletcher-class destroyer, during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he earned a BS degree in Geology. It was here he met his wife of 40 years.

Training in electronics while in the Navy led George to a long career as an electrical engineer at Automatic Electric and then GTE. After a layoff, he spent the remainder of his working years with Berry Bearing Company where his hard work was very appreciated. He was asked to stay on after his retirement which he did for another year.

A true “Renaissance man”, George was extremely knowledgeable and respected for his intelligence, wise advice, and problem-solving abilities. He was never lonely or bored because he had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and would rather read or watch documentaries in his TV room than socialize. World history, military history, astronomy and physics were some of his favorite subjects. He also loved listening to a wide range of music including Abba, folk music and Benjamino Gigli, and was a very talented self-taught button accordion player.

George had a great sense of humor and could bring his family to tears with his silliness – especially when he did his impersonation of an astronaut in slow motion. However, he took fishing very seriously, which is why he would always be the one to catch the most and biggest fish at his favorite fishing spot, Lake Shabbona. To sum it up, George was happiest enjoying the simple things in life: watching detective shows, sharing lunch with his friend, working crossword puzzles, tending his flower garden, being “cozy” in his home, and having a sweet treat, coffee and a cigarette.

Above all George will be remembered for being a protective, selfless and caring father who loved his family more than words can say.

George will be dearly missed by his daughter, Bonnie (Ron) Fine; Son, George Naumczik; sister, Jennie Roubal; brother, Jim Naumczik; numerous nieces and nephews, neighbors and friends. George is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Olga Mispagel, Anna Johnson, Alice Shultis, and Mary Kistulenic; brother John Naumczik; and half-brother, Joseph Kowbel.

Cremation took place Monday, December 23, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. Ashes will be scattered in a private family ceremony.

A special thank you to the Allure of Mt. Carroll staff and the FHN Hospice team for their care and support during George’s final days.