View his video tributeGeorge S. Branch, age 61, of LaPorte, died Friday, July 10, 2009 at St. Anthony Memorial Health Care Center. A celebration of life service honoring George will be held Friday, July 17 at 6:00 p.m. at Memorial Park, Michigan City, with a gathering of family and friends beginning at 5 p.m. FollowingContinue Reading
View his video tribute
George S. Branch, age 61, of LaPorte, died Friday, July 10, 2009 at St. Anthony Memorial Health Care Center. A celebration of life service honoring George will be held Friday, July 17 at 6:00 p.m. at Memorial Park, Michigan City, with a gathering of family and friends beginning at 5 p.m. Following the service there will be a time of reflection and remembrance. Carlisle Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. George was born March 13, 1948, in Michigan City, to George and Gertrude (Grattenthaler) Branch both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents Maxine and Henry Grattenthaler. On June 23, 1984, in Michigan City, he married Brenda Perkins, she survives in LaPorte.
Also surviving is his brother Brett (Valerie) Branch of Dallas, TX; and sisters Lana Branch of Ft. Wayne and Susan Branch of Michigan City, 5 nieces and 2 nephews.
George had been a teacher with Michigan City Area Schools, retiring in 2008. He taught social studies at Krueger Middle School, Crown Point High School, Rogers, Elston Jr. High and Michigan City High School.
He had graduated from St. Mary’s High School, Indiana University, Bloomington and received a Masters degree from Purdue University, Calumet Campus.
He enjoyed playing rugby, cards, softball, racquetball, coaching basketball, baseball, football, softball, DECA, and had a love for trivia, movies, the Cubs, Bears, SLUFF, music, sports, Mickey Mouse, animals, nature photography, friends and friendships. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michiana Humane Society, First Presbyterian Church of Michigan City Soup Kitchen, or Music for Life Institute (African Children’s Choir).
FS
left a message on September 29, 2021:
The GREATEST social studies teacher one could ever have. He taught me in 1991 at Rogers High School. Just this past June, I brought pup his name to my former employer, telling her how much I loved his class, love being in his class. He knew how to gravitate his students and get all of his students attention respectfully. May you rest in peace..
Barbara Shoenthal Delk
left a message on August 10, 2009:
My memories of George go back to the days in high school when Marguettte was still St. Mary High. George was a wonderful friend to me in those 'good old days'. George, Pat, Milt, Joe...such a fun 'band of budddies'. I hadn't talked with George in many years. I always enjoyed his spirit and wonderful smile. Thank you, George for your unwavering friendship. Aug.10, 2009
Kathy Landing
left a message on July 17, 2009:
This is a memory of George which includes some of his old gang from high school. Being gone these many years,(Elston, 1968), it stays with me. I believe it was George, Tom Wright, Rich Nygren and Joe Clancy who jointly, and rather proudly, owned an old pick up truck, emblazoned on the sides in white paint with the word STIPIS, a code, perhaps? I felt pretty cool when told that STIPIS was an acronym; the first letter of the colleges each would attend. St. Thomas, Indiana, Purdue, Indiana State. STIPIS! I can still picture that truck sitting in a lot on Franklin Street. My thoughts and prayers are with George's family and the many friends who loved him.
Patricia Hampel Hittner
left a message on July 17, 2009:
I was so saddened to have read of George's passing. I worked with George at the Park Dept. in the '70's. I remember his always smiling face, the sparkle in his eye and his kind heart. He was a gem of a human being. My sincerest sympathies to his family & may God grant you strength & peace at this time. God Bless you, George.
kb
left a message on July 17, 2009:
An icon at MCHS. George will be greatly missed. I am blessed to have known such an amazing man.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Dr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Mark
left a message on July 17, 2009:
I too was saddened to hear of the passing of George. We spent some great time playing wiffle ball in his backyard, running around together, and eating in the back of the Old Maxine and Heinie's next to the Tivoli Theatre on Franklin St. And who could forget George behind the bar at Maxine and Heinie's with a smile and a story to make you feel better. He was manager for the basketball team and was a kindred spirit. I will miss him very much. It will not be the same.
Terry Brennan
left a message on July 16, 2009:
Though it has been many, many years, the uproarious laughter and giant humor of George came rushing back as I read the sad news. Few people I have known could get the crowd smiling in an instant as could this bear in human clothing. Bon voyage. Terry
Paul Reaves
left a message on July 16, 2009:
I knew George growing up, through sports competition and later competing in softball and coaching sports. The one thing that came to me when I learned of his passing was the world lost a genuinely great guy. May god bless his family in this time of mourning.
Jim Coughlin
left a message on July 15, 2009:
I have known George for about 30 years. He was a very talented guy, and very kind. I worked with him for a few years at Maxine and Heinie's retaurant, and he was always very industrious and great to work with. I know that his family and friends will miss him, and they have my condolences.
Chris Sexton Bohle
left a message on July 15, 2009:
My prayers are with all of you. George was a wonderful man. He was my son's favorite teacher at the high school. He will be greatly missed. Chris
Caitlin Kisner
left a message on July 15, 2009:
His family is in my thoughts and prayers. He was an amazing teacher. I wouldn't have enjoyed my Senior year as much as I did without him! He always had a smile on his face and it always put one on mine!
Ted Topolski
left a message on July 15, 2009:
What a great smile. What a fun person to be with. You always knew that you were going to have a good time with George. Brett and the girls and George's family, we extend our deepest sympathy. The world has lost one of the finest people that God has put on earth. Much too soon. We will keep George and his family in our prayers.
Roger & Kathy Claeys
left a message on July 15, 2009:
George will be greatly missed! You were an inspiration not only to Roger and myself but to our children as well. Your love for kids & life were reflected in our warmth & kindness & sense of humor. We are blessed & thankful to have known you and call you our friend! Our prayers go out to Brenda & family at this time. We love you! Roger & Kathy Claeys & Family
Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Burns
left a message on July 15, 2009:
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. George was a wonderful man. He will be missed Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Burns
Holly Alexander
left a message on July 15, 2009:
Brenda...so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with you. Take care.
Drew White
left a message on July 14, 2009:
I'll miss you Big Cat. We didn't get to share enough defibrillator stories. 2002 and 2003 with the City Baseball team were very special times to me and I will always remember having George to my left as we counted down how many hot dogs Clarkie ate. Brenda, please let me know if there is anything I can do...
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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FS
left a message on September 29, 2021:
The GREATEST social studies teacher one could ever have. He taught me in 1991 at Rogers High School. Just this past June, I brought pup his name to my former employer, telling her how much I loved his class, love being in his class. He knew how to gravitate his students and get all of his students attention respectfully. May you rest in peace..
Barbara Shoenthal Delk
left a message on August 10, 2009:
My memories of George go back to the days in high school when Marguettte was still St. Mary High. George was a wonderful friend to me in those 'good old days'. George, Pat, Milt, Joe...such a fun 'band of budddies'. I hadn't talked with George in many years. I always enjoyed his spirit and wonderful smile. Thank you, George for your unwavering friendship. Aug.10, 2009
Kathy Landing
left a message on July 17, 2009:
This is a memory of George which includes some of his old gang from high school. Being gone these many years,(Elston, 1968), it stays with me. I believe it was George, Tom Wright, Rich Nygren and Joe Clancy who jointly, and rather proudly, owned an old pick up truck, emblazoned on the sides in white paint with the word STIPIS, a code, perhaps? I felt pretty cool when told that STIPIS was an acronym; the first letter of the colleges each would attend. St. Thomas, Indiana, Purdue, Indiana State. STIPIS! I can still picture that truck sitting in a lot on Franklin Street. My thoughts and prayers are with George's family and the many friends who loved him.
Patricia Hampel Hittner
left a message on July 17, 2009:
I was so saddened to have read of George's passing. I worked with George at the Park Dept. in the '70's. I remember his always smiling face, the sparkle in his eye and his kind heart. He was a gem of a human being. My sincerest sympathies to his family & may God grant you strength & peace at this time. God Bless you, George.
kb
left a message on July 17, 2009:
An icon at MCHS. George will be greatly missed. I am blessed to have known such an amazing man.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Dr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Mark
left a message on July 17, 2009:
I too was saddened to hear of the passing of George. We spent some great time playing wiffle ball in his backyard, running around together, and eating in the back of the Old Maxine and Heinie's next to the Tivoli Theatre on Franklin St. And who could forget George behind the bar at Maxine and Heinie's with a smile and a story to make you feel better. He was manager for the basketball team and was a kindred spirit. I will miss him very much. It will not be the same.
Terry Brennan
left a message on July 16, 2009:
Though it has been many, many years, the uproarious laughter and giant humor of George came rushing back as I read the sad news. Few people I have known could get the crowd smiling in an instant as could this bear in human clothing. Bon voyage. Terry
Paul Reaves
left a message on July 16, 2009:
I knew George growing up, through sports competition and later competing in softball and coaching sports. The one thing that came to me when I learned of his passing was the world lost a genuinely great guy. May god bless his family in this time of mourning.
Jim Coughlin
left a message on July 15, 2009:
I have known George for about 30 years. He was a very talented guy, and very kind. I worked with him for a few years at Maxine and Heinie's retaurant, and he was always very industrious and great to work with. I know that his family and friends will miss him, and they have my condolences.
Chris Sexton Bohle
left a message on July 15, 2009:
My prayers are with all of you. George was a wonderful man. He was my son's favorite teacher at the high school. He will be greatly missed. Chris
Caitlin Kisner
left a message on July 15, 2009:
His family is in my thoughts and prayers. He was an amazing teacher. I wouldn't have enjoyed my Senior year as much as I did without him! He always had a smile on his face and it always put one on mine!
Ted Topolski
left a message on July 15, 2009:
What a great smile. What a fun person to be with. You always knew that you were going to have a good time with George. Brett and the girls and George's family, we extend our deepest sympathy. The world has lost one of the finest people that God has put on earth. Much too soon. We will keep George and his family in our prayers.
Roger & Kathy Claeys
left a message on July 15, 2009:
George will be greatly missed! You were an inspiration not only to Roger and myself but to our children as well. Your love for kids & life were reflected in our warmth & kindness & sense of humor. We are blessed & thankful to have known you and call you our friend! Our prayers go out to Brenda & family at this time. We love you! Roger & Kathy Claeys & Family
Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Burns
left a message on July 15, 2009:
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. George was a wonderful man. He will be missed Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Burns
Holly Alexander
left a message on July 15, 2009:
Brenda...so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with you. Take care.
Drew White
left a message on July 14, 2009:
I'll miss you Big Cat. We didn't get to share enough defibrillator stories. 2002 and 2003 with the City Baseball team were very special times to me and I will always remember having George to my left as we counted down how many hot dogs Clarkie ate. Brenda, please let me know if there is anything I can do...
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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