George Momany

1925 - 2024

George Momany
George was born November 29, 1925, in Millburg, Michigan to Theodore Marshall and Marie Franz Momany. He lived with his older brothers Glen and Don in Covert, Michigan and graduated from Covert High school at age 17. Like his older brothers, he enlisted in the military, and after turning 18 served in the front lines in the Army's infantry "G" company in southeastern France. As a "B.A.R. man", he saw intense and active combat during the winter of 1943-44. After V-E in May 1945, he remained active in Europe achieving the rank of Sargent during his tour of duty. In later years he would talk about his experiences as a soldier and the terrible reality of war.
He attended Western Michigan University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry 1946. There he met his future wife Dottie M Wiederhold, and they were married on June 26, 1949.
Both taught high school in Central Lake, Michigan for several years, and then enhanced their educations by earning graduate degrees from Purdue University, his in Chemical Engineering. That is where their first child Jeri was born. They then moved to Midland where both were employed by Dow Corning Corporation, and had their second child George M, followed by son Scott and daughter Mary. In 1964 the family moved to Zurich, Switzerland for his job with Dow International. They returned to Midland in 1967 and welcomed daughter Heidi during construction of a unique house designed by Dottie, where they lived for the next 47 years. They were members of Trinity Lutheran Church for their entire time in Midland and were active on boards and supported the church in many other roles.
George continued to work for Dow Chemical Company, as a manager in personnel, salary administration, and computer management. When not working, he fed his love of nature by fishing, mushroom hunting, canoeing, backpacking, Alpine skiing, and spending time at their cabin affectionately known as the "trailer". He was known for his excellent homemade breads of many varieties, including sourdough, whole grain, and focaccia styles. He also did most of the cooking while the kids were in the house. Throughout his life was known by all for friendly smile, willingness to have a conversation, and love of ice cream and popcorn.
George and Dottie both retired in 1984 and began extensive international travel which they greatly enjoyed. They had shared their home with many foreign exchange students over the years and created life-long bonds with many of them. He would often refer to his Japanese or German "daughter" or "son" and visited many in their home countries.
George died on August 18, 2024 following a brief illness and was preceded in death by Dottie, his loving wife of 72 years. He is survived by his children Jeri (Dan) Pfruender of Midland, son George (Karen) MD of Spokane, Washington, and daughter Heidi (Mike) Miles of Malta Bend, Missouri; his six grandchildren: Justin (Cheryl) Pfruender DPT, Lisa (Mike) Gall, Chelsea Momany DDS, McKenzie Momany, MD, Haley Momany DVM, Nicholaus (Diana) Miles; and great-grandchildren Daniel Gall and Rowan Miles. George was predeceased by his parents, his older brothers Glen and Don, daughter Mary, and infant son Steven.
His family thanks the staff of King's Daughters Home for their wonderful care and compassion over the time he was a resident, as well as the care provided by Careline Hospice during his last months. The family also thanks all his devoted friends who spent time with George during his last weeks.
George's family will receive friends for visitation at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 19th from 10:00a.m. until the service at 11:00. George's cremains will be interred in Trinity's All Saints Garden. Those wishing to express sympathy may wish to consider the Chippawa Nature of Midland County, Trinity Lutheran Church, the Nature Conservancy, or Friends of the Boundary Waters. To plant trees in his memory, please visit The Sympathy Store.
George's family respectfully requests that all guests with any illness symptoms wear a mask.
All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Momany family has entrusted us to the care of their loved one. Condolences to the family may be made at www.wswfh.com