George “The Barber” Joseph Jelich (September 11, 1927-January 14, 2022) waltzed his way into heaven and was reunited with his loving wife, Marilyn and warmly greeted by our Heavenly Father at the age of 94.
George was born in Sanborn, Michigan to George and Rose Jelich. The family later moved to Marenisco, Michigan where he spent his childhood with his 2 siblings the late Violet and the late Rudy. George lost his father when he was 14. He moved to Milwaukee to join the Navy at the age of 15, but not accepted until 16. He was a determined young man to help support his family back home.
He was in both WWII and the Korean War. In between the two wars he met the love of his life, Marilyn (the tomato in the red dress) at a dance hall. They fell in love and married October 8, 1949. They had 6 children: Gene Paul who died after birth, Susie (Craig) Jelich-Nevins, Nancy (Steve) Miller, Terry (Dave) Zimmermann, George Jr (Kathy) Jelich, Mary (Mark Metzke) Jelich. George was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Along with many wonderful in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
George attended barber college after leaving the Navy on the GI bill. Years later he opened his own business, George Jelich’s Barber Shop in Glendale. He always felt that he had picked the perfect occupation; you could talk as much as you want, work as much as you want and meet a variety of people, many who became personal friends.
George was once again blessed when his daughter Susie decided to follow in his footsteps and become a barber as well. They worked side by side until George retired at the age of 90-1/2.
George touched many lives as he had many interests. He was a Toastmaster, Alderman in Glendale, part of the Barber Examining Board, camper, golfer, and amazing ballroom dancer. But his favorite was heading down the road with his co-pilot Marilyn by his side in their (silver-bullet) Airstream trailer wintering in Florida.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the ICU staff at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s, along with nurse Sharon and Mary Lou from New Castle’s Skilled Nursing floor and nurse Cheryl from Horizon Hospice. Thank you all for your kindness and support.
A Mass will be held for George on Saturday, February 5 at Sacred Heart Parish 917 N 49th Street, Milwaukee, WI with complete military honors. Visitation at the church from 9:30-11am, with Mass to follow at 11 am.
If so desired, memorials to the charity of your choice appreciated.
