George Varnum Whitfield

George Varnum Whitfield, age 89 of Petoskey, died on June 22, 2017 at his home.

George was born on July 6th, 1927 in Findley, OH the son of James C. Whitfield and Vergene Glidden. He grew up in Walloon Lake and attended high school at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, WI. After high school he proudly served in the United States Navy where he served in Panama. Upon completion of his time in the service he went on to attend Central Michigan University where he obtained a Bachelors Degree.

On June 17, 1950, he married Maxine Stevens at the Walloon Lake Community Church. They shared 67 wonderful years of marriage together.

George served as the president for the Jaycee's in Manistee, MI and was instrumental in restoration of the Manistee beach project. He also worked for Plasticrafts in Denver, CO and helped with the construction of the Denver Botanic Gardens, Air force Academy Sports Arena, the University of New Mexico, the stained glass construction of a Catholic Church in CO, and many more projects.

George and his wife Maxine enjoyed traveling, especially to Ireland and England. George also enjoyed reading, golf, and home remodeling and building. He was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Boyne City.

George is survived by his wife Maxine (Stevens) Whitfield, his children Lynn (Gerald) Artman of East Jordan, MI, and J.C. (Angela) Whitfield of Denver, CO, his Grandchildren Todd (Liana) Whitfield of Denver, CO, Travis Oberlander of Los Angeles, CA, Samuel George Whitfield of Sarasota, FL, Allyson Whitfield of Denver, and Brooklyn Whitfield of Denver, great-grandchildren Margaux Whitfield of Denver, CO, and siblings Mary Erb of Walloon Lake, and James Whitfield of Clayton, CA. George is preceded in death by his sons Gary Whitfield and Steven Whitfield, his parents James Whitfield and Vergene (Glidden) Whitfield, and his sister Dorothy Ericks.

A memorial service will be held on July 6th beginning at 1pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Boyne City with Dr. Beth Broschart and Rev. David Tuggle officiating. There will be a reception at the church following the service.

Anyone wishing to make a charitable contribution should consider the Walloon Lake Fire Department or a charity of their choosing.

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