George Will

George Will

George Francis Will Jr., 81, Bismarck, died peacefully Oct. 21, 2007, at Medcenter One Hospital, Bismarck, after a brief illness. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. today, Oct. 25, at Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck.

George was born Aug. 7, 1926, in Bismarck, the son of George Francis and Elvira (Kangas) Will. Upon graduating from Bismarck High School in 1944, George entered the U.S. Army, where he served in the Phillipines and, subsequent to the surrender, in Japan. After completing his military service, George attended Harvard College, graduating with a bachelor's degree in biology in 1950. He then entered the family business, Oscar H. Will and Company, eventually managing the same. On Sept. 18, 1951, he married Evelynn Prostel Will, of Dickinson.

The family business evolved into Will's Inc., focusing on the sunflower seed snack portion of the company. George operated the business for 20 years before his retirement. For the last several years he was employed with the State Historical Society of North Dakota Foundation and enjoyed working there until death.

George is survived by his children, Susan Will, Fairbanks, Alaska, Mars Datura and Paul Will, both of Aurora, Colo., and Steve Will, Sitka, Alaska; five grandchildren, Mika, Forrest, Alexis, Clea and Ariadne Will; his sister, Sue Arman; and his brother, Oscar Will.

George was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lynn; and his sister, Margaret.

Go to http://www.eastgatefuneral.com to share memories of George and sign the online guest book. (Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck)