George Jacob Salaj, 85, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on November 2, 2024, in Fox Lake, WI. Born on November 23, 1938 to George and Marie Salaj. United in marriage to Judith Schiltz on December 30th, 1961. George was known for his strong work ethic, competitive spirit in games, and aContinue Reading
George Jacob Salaj, 85, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on November 2, 2024, in Fox Lake, WI. Born on November 23, 1938 to George and Marie Salaj. United in marriage to Judith Schiltz on December 30th, 1961. George was known for his strong work ethic, competitive spirit in games, and a deep, resounding laugh that echoed warmth and love. A man of few words, he was a loving husband with a big heart and a knack for solving problems, often found “putzing” around with a myriad of projects that kept him busy and fulfilled.
George graduated from Boys Technical High School and soon after dedicated his skills to the Wisconsin Army National Guard, where he served with distinction. His professional life was marked by significant tenures at Stroh Die Casting as a Maintenance Millwright and at Miller Brewery’s can plant, where he was honored with the Crystal Award for his outstanding performance.
Beyond his professional and military life, George was a devout member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Slinger, WI where he served as an usher, and Annunciation Catholic Church in Fox Lake, WI. His hobbies were as diverse as his skills, including indulging in old cars, enjoying country music, attending theater shows, and a love for model railroading, including membership in the Cedar Creek Central Railroad Club. George took great pleasure in his hobby farm, traveling, and relishing the serene lake life. He had a special candy drawer, always stocked with chocolate, reflecting his sweet and indulgent side.
George is survived by his beloved wife, Judith Salaj (nee Schiltz), his children Scott (Laura) Salaj, Sunni (Jim) Fritz, Sandi (David) Konrath, Sara (Mike) Cummings, and Sue (Chad) Kuchler. He was a proud grandfather to Kaylee (Adam) Treesh, Kristine (Vance) Mattila, Joshua (Hannah) Fritz, Danika Salaj, Chaz Konrath, Kurtis (Danielle) Fritz, Carson Kuchler, Connor Cummings, Bryce Kuchler, Aaron Cummings, and Leah Cummings, and a great-grandfather of nine. His extended family includes his sister-in-law Nancy (Keith) Wipperfurth, along with various nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jim, his parents-in-law Alta and Otto Schiltz, and his sister-in-law, Mary (John) Bayer.
The family would like to thank the Dodge County Sheriffs, EMS and neighbors for helping George that day.
We love you dad and we will meet you by the bench.
The visitation will be at Annunciation Catholic Church in Fox Lake on Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. John Radetski officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Allenton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in George’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Children’s Hospital of WI, honoring his lifelong commitment to nurturing and supporting the next generations.
Laura Hamm
left a message on November 9, 2024:
Thinking of you all, my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Sending lots of love, hugs and prayers.
Laura Hamm
Joan Dohearty Schaefer
left a message on November 8, 2024:
Dear Judy, I am so sorry to hear about George’s passing. I saw the notice in the paper. I wish you & your family many blessings and well wishes. I know this is a very difficult time.
Email me in the future as I don’t have your info. May God watch over you!
Joan Dohearty Schaefer
Barb and Randy, Sue, Bill and Kenlyn
left a message on November 7, 2024:
Anonymous
left a message on November 6, 2024:
Fr. Richard Stoffel
left a message on November 6, 2024:
Dear Family,
Please accept the condolences of St. Peter Parish, Slinger, Wi as we remember him fondly and honor his time of service to us as one of our ushers and devout members. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord!
Father Rick Stoffel, Pastor
Susan Pinnow Olson
left a message on November 6, 2024:
My deepest sympathy to Judy and the entire family. I am the oldest child of Erv and Jean Pinnow. George was a great friend to my dad for many years and dad spoke of him often after you moved to Fox Lake. He was thrilled to be able to visit your beautiful home there.
Kimberly Melka
left a message on November 6, 2024:
I always looked forward to the summer BBQs in Slinger! I know you’re with my parents probably having the same fun. God bless your family at this time.
With Love,
Kimberly Melka
Anonymous
left a message on November 5, 2024:
Kelly Kloepping
left a message on November 4, 2024:
Even though I was never able to meet George or his wife, I have come to know their daughters, Sue & Sara! I have known Sue ever since college and we have spent time together every year since then. And I came to know Sara with her extensive focus on Special Olympics for so many years— He obviously raised some wonderful daughters! It’s always great to hear family stories and I am incredibly saddened by the fact that I cannot be there on Saturday to celebrate his life and be there for Sue. I certainly hope it’s a wonderful celebration of all of the memories that can be held onto to moving forward!
Bob and Jan Daly
left a message on November 4, 2024:
Dear Judy,please accept our deepest sympathies on Georges passing.
I just found out today from Al.Wish we could have gotten together at least one more time.
Peace be with you and all of your family in this sad time.I cannot be there for the funeral which makes me extra sad,because I have to conduct a military funeral at our Legion Post in Saukville at the same time.I am Seargent at arms and Honor guard commander for our legion post. In case you were not aware of this,George is elegible for full military honors at the time that you have his interment or a celebration of life.
This includes rifle salute,taps and flag folding and and presentation.Please feel free to call me about this at your convenience if you need help or information about this unless you are already aware of it.And again let me express our deepest sorrow over your loss,and may the good Lord bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Sincerely yours Bob and Jan Daly
Jim Noe
left a message on November 4, 2024:
I considered George as my non-biological big brother. He taught me so much I can never thank him enough. His dedication to his job and the quality of his work was always excellent. Patient, kind, and always offering his help, he was a joy to work with. My heart goes out to Judy and the Family for their loss but they can take solace in the fact that they were able to have such a incredible Husband, Father, and Grandpa for as long as they did. God rest his soul.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Laura Hamm
left a message on November 9, 2024:
Thinking of you all, my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Sending lots of love, hugs and prayers.
Laura Hamm
Joan Dohearty Schaefer
left a message on November 8, 2024:
Dear Judy, I am so sorry to hear about George’s passing. I saw the notice in the paper. I wish you & your family many blessings and well wishes. I know this is a very difficult time.
Email me in the future as I don’t have your info. May God watch over you!
Joan Dohearty Schaefer
Barb and Randy, Sue, Bill and Kenlyn
left a message on November 7, 2024:
Anonymous
left a message on November 6, 2024:
Fr. Richard Stoffel
left a message on November 6, 2024:
Dear Family,
Please accept the condolences of St. Peter Parish, Slinger, Wi as we remember him fondly and honor his time of service to us as one of our ushers and devout members. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord!
Father Rick Stoffel, Pastor
Susan Pinnow Olson
left a message on November 6, 2024:
My deepest sympathy to Judy and the entire family. I am the oldest child of Erv and Jean Pinnow. George was a great friend to my dad for many years and dad spoke of him often after you moved to Fox Lake. He was thrilled to be able to visit your beautiful home there.
Kimberly Melka
left a message on November 6, 2024:
I always looked forward to the summer BBQs in Slinger! I know you’re with my parents probably having the same fun. God bless your family at this time.
With Love,
Kimberly Melka
Anonymous
left a message on November 5, 2024:
Kelly Kloepping
left a message on November 4, 2024:
Even though I was never able to meet George or his wife, I have come to know their daughters, Sue & Sara! I have known Sue ever since college and we have spent time together every year since then. And I came to know Sara with her extensive focus on Special Olympics for so many years— He obviously raised some wonderful daughters! It’s always great to hear family stories and I am incredibly saddened by the fact that I cannot be there on Saturday to celebrate his life and be there for Sue. I certainly hope it’s a wonderful celebration of all of the memories that can be held onto to moving forward!
Bob and Jan Daly
left a message on November 4, 2024:
Dear Judy,please accept our deepest sympathies on Georges passing.
I just found out today from Al.Wish we could have gotten together at least one more time.
Peace be with you and all of your family in this sad time.I cannot be there for the funeral which makes me extra sad,because I have to conduct a military funeral at our Legion Post in Saukville at the same time.I am Seargent at arms and Honor guard commander for our legion post. In case you were not aware of this,George is elegible for full military honors at the time that you have his interment or a celebration of life.
This includes rifle salute,taps and flag folding and and presentation.Please feel free to call me about this at your convenience if you need help or information about this unless you are already aware of it.And again let me express our deepest sorrow over your loss,and may the good Lord bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Sincerely yours Bob and Jan Daly
Jim Noe
left a message on November 4, 2024:
I considered George as my non-biological big brother. He taught me so much I can never thank him enough. His dedication to his job and the quality of his work was always excellent. Patient, kind, and always offering his help, he was a joy to work with. My heart goes out to Judy and the Family for their loss but they can take solace in the fact that they were able to have such a incredible Husband, Father, and Grandpa for as long as they did. God rest his soul.
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