George W. Yeager

George W. Yeager, 75, of Slocum Twp., passed away Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Willow Valley, Ariz., where he was spending the winter with his wife, Kathy.

He was the son of the late George E. Yeager and Nellie Fine Yeager. George passed unexpectedly with Kathy by his side but so quick as he always hoped it would be.

While we lost our most beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather; there are many who have lost a friend and loved one in him. He had been a rock to many, and even a glorious, wonderful pain in the neck (but no matter what happened between you in your lives, once you were marked as loved and important to him, he was by your side if ever you needed him). His cousin, Jonathan, said he was a mensch and he was in the truest sense.

George graduated from Crestwood High School in 1967, married Kathy Stempowski in October 1968 and together they raised four children, George Matthew, Bridget, Sina and Zachary. He said many times, "God was good to me and if I went today, I can't complain."

George was a hard worker and a reliable, dependable employee. He spent his working years as a truck driver and had four million safe miles under his belt. He spent the first third of his working life at Friedmans Express, the next third at Wise Foods, Berwick, and the final third at R&L transport. He was never content to sit around after retirement and he spent several years at Mountain Express, Mountain Top and then driving a school van. He was a staunch Teamster who never failed to tout the good life his union provided for him and his family. George especially cherished the times when he was helping his kids - bringing bagels home from New York City for son, Matt's coffee shop; together with Sina they transported Cinder home from Canada and to all those barrel racing weekends with his little girl and Stan; and as a pyrotechnician working and helping with his son, Zach's SkyShooters business. How he loved "shooting" fireworks, driving to shows and most especially the gatherings in the work shed after shows and the stories would fly for hours along with the beer and camaraderie.

George was an accomplished fiddler who taught himself early on and played by ear. He played bluegrass for many years with the "Mud Pond Boys" and 23 years with the Donegal Weavers when he played at each and every Irish event in the Valley. Later on he played wonderful country music with Floyd, Chopper, Dave, Jessie and Carl and so many others. He loved his winters in Arizona where he played with Matt Brunette and BlueLine. He couldn't wait to get there in late November, where he and Kathy would stay until April.

He was a great hunter and spent his younger years hunting with his dad and later with his boys, Matt and Zach, and brother-in-law, Rich, and then his grandsons, Sam and Nick, and this past year with his soon to be son-in-law, Stan. There were so many stories told and retold over and over in the garage with some Jamison. A lot of his most precious moments were spent in his woods on the family farm, and he sure did love riding his Harley!

George was predeceased by his parents; daughter-in-law, Missy; and a few months ago his beloved brother-in-law, Richard Stempowski.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; son, George Matthew (Julie); daughter, Sina (Stanley); son, Zach (Ashley); and daughter, Bridget; awesome grandchildren, Sam (Kristi), Bloomsburg; Justine Lamey (Brendan), Danville; Nick (Haley), Lititz; great-grandson, Brooks Yeager; and soon to be born great-grandson to Sam and Kristi and Justine and Brendan's baby boy in August; sister, Carol Evans (Slocum); niece, Amanda Drum (Greg) and their son, Evan; much loved sister-in-law, Barbara Stempowski Lunnon, Bob and their family "down under," niece, Karen and nephew, Brian (Stempowski) and their mom, Rose; and many cousins.

George loved his pets through the years. He loved his dogs with his whole heart, and tolerated a few of Kathy's cats (but secretly loved Possum). He loved taking care of his chickens and always had the best rooster (the latest was Merle), the donkey, Waylon, the horses, Bo, Cricket, Moonshine and the barrel racer, Cinder. He said the way to honor your pet was to rescue another. All his dogs were rescues and one, Broadway Joe, he brought home from New York City, where he found him as a stray in the truck terminal hanging out with only three paws - he just put him in his truck and brought him home. Please rescue a dog or cat or consider donating to Blue Chip Farm Animal Rescue.

There will be a celebration of his life and a "going home" in late March. It will be announced on facebook (or pictureface as George called it!).