George DePuydt, age 89, of 4855 Greenwood Drive, passed away Tuesday April 24, 2007 at his home in Soo Hill of an apparent heart attack.
George was born December 20, 1917 in St. Nicholas, Michigan to Pamphil and Elizabeth (Senasal) DePuydt. He was united in marriage to Mary Gibbs on December 26, 1942 in Temple, Texas while stationed at Camp Hood, Texas. George proudly served his country as a veteran of World War II in the United States Army from April 17, 1942 through September 27, 1945. He achieved the rank of Sergeant while serving with the 753rd Tank Battalion, first as a tank driver, then later as tank commander. George saw action in the Invasion of Sicily, the Battle of Monte Cassino, Selarno, Rome and Naples, the Rhineland and Southern France and throughout Central Europe. He was wounded twice during battle in France in 1944 and was awarded two Purple Hearts. He was also the recipient of the 1st Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, a Silver Battle Star with 1 Bronze Battle Star and the Good Conduct Medal. Since returning home George has been a lifelong member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, volunteered at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette for over 20 years and worked as an operating engineer for various construction companies.
Including his wife Mary, George is survived by:
4 Sons: Daniel (Linda) DePuydt of Muscatine, Iowa; Greg (Carolyn) DePuydt of Greenville, Michigan; Raymond DePuydt of Kettle Falls, Washington; Peter (Laura) DePuydt of Lancaster, Pennsylvania
2 Daughters: Rita DePuydt of Oakview, California; Sr. Fran DePuydt of Ann Arbor, Michigan
7 Grandchildren: Brian DePuydt, Fr. Francesco DePuydt, Chris DePuydt, Mike DePuydt, Patrick DePuydt, Victoria Moss and Renee Thompson
Numerous Nieces and Nephews
George is preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers and 5 sisters.
The DePuydt family will receive friends on Monday, April 30 from 10:00 to 11:30 at theSkradski Funeral Home in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:30 PM at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Flat Rock with Rev. Fr. Francesco DePuydt officiating. Luncheon will immediately follow services in the fellowship hall. Burial will be Monday at 3:15 PM at the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells. Military Honors will be recited by the Delta County Veterans Council in conjunction with the Military Order of the Purple Heart. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the
Anonymous
To the DePuydt family:
You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of “Pa DePuydt”. I will always cherish my memories of the beatings adminstered to me on College Ave. in Grand Rapids by Ray! I will also fondly remember the many good times had at that house with my good friend Pete. Those breakfasts that “Ma DePuydt” cooked for us after marathon basketball games on the driveway hoop. Coming in and listening to ANY basketball game we could find on the radio in your breakfast nook (remember that, Pete? Finding the Cincinnati Royals game or the Boston Celtics on WBZ at night?). Whenever I tell my Son this he can’t fathom having to “listen” to ANY game on the radio, since they are ALL on TV now.
George would have been in the living room with his feet up reading the Grand Rapids Press. A wonderful, kind, gentle man.
Great times. Great memories.
I blow a kiss to “Ma DePuydt” today from Lambertville, Michigan (as far away from the U.P. as you can get and remain in the state, unfortunately). Living here I can honestly say that Michigan DEFINATELY got the better of the deal when trading Toledo for the U.P.!
God Bless you all. Thanks for the many wonderful memories (except for Ray’s noogies!).
Joe & Beth Taylor (and Matthew)
Lambertville, MI
God Bless Uncle George-he is the best.
Love and Prayers,
John & Yvonne Gibbs families-Colleen, Clare, Jack and Mark.
Arlington Hts., IL
What a wonderful friend we had with George. He played cards every Wed. & Friday with us.We had many laughs, mostly when someone made a mistake & threw away a wild card. We learned to all join in with A little phrase Geo. always said,”PAY Attention! We will miss sharing our life stories as well hearing his. All of us having come from large families & all being poor could relate. In many ways George reminded me of my own father., perhaps that’s one of MANY reasons I loved him.
Buck & Linda Thomma
Gwinn, MI
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Dennis and Linda
Muscatine, IA
753rd Tank Battalion was in combat for 486 days during WW2. Men of Sgt.DePudyt’s quality of character and leadership were the backbone of this historical Battalion. We, the family members, will miss him and all that he stood for in life. His history will be carried on in the history of his Battalion, the 753rd Tank Battalion. If you would like to see his picture or his friends in the Battalion during WW2, please go to the web site dedicated to them at http://www.753rdtankbattalion.com and celebrate their lives.
Chris and Rayann Bradford
Sacramento, CA
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are in Florida and will be leaving for home on Sunday. Please know that if it was at all possible we would have been there to say goodby to Uncle George. We will all miss him.
Jim & Ann Burns and Family
Grand Rapids, MI
From the Philbins of Grand Rapids. Michigan and Lafaette, Colorado
We extend heartfelt synpathy and prayers. Uncle George was certainly “One in a Million” May he rest in the glorious hands of our Risen Savior-
Tom,Lisa.Joellyn,Annalissa,Roland, and Jessica
Grand Rapids, MI