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George Tamminga
1938 - 2025
BORN
1938
DIED
2025
George Tamminga Obituary
George grew up in South Holland, IL, where he married his late wife, Maryann Triemstra and created Continental Landscaping. They had two children, Toni and Ricky. George later moved to Crete, IL and married Ruth Strand Jensen on Dec. 23, 1979. There they started Plum Creek Nursery, which he and Ruth managed until retirement. He also served as Road Commissioner of Crete Township for 12 years, retiring in December 2008.
From there, he and Ruth moved to Culver, IN and became snowbirds, spending half their time there and the other in Green Valley. They finally became full-time residents of Green Valley in 2020.
George loved landscaping and their home in Green Valley was featured on the garden walk with the GV Gardeners in 2022. Their home in Crete was also a show place and the site of garden walks for 11 years. George enjoyed traveling, boating, and growing plants. He bought a Jeep to explore Southern Arizona with Ruth and other Green Valley Jeepers.
Family was especially important to George, and he never missed an opportunity to chat with his brother and the children of their families spread across the country. Perhaps remembered best would be George's engaging personality. He could talk to anyone and make them feel comfortable. A wonderful storyteller, George had empathy for everyone's situation. He and Ruth entertained often and organized celebrations with their neighbors on many occasions.
George is survived by his wife Ruth and his children from his first marriage, Toni (Wayne) Bonnema and Ricky Tamminga, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his stepchildren, Eric and Christopher Jensen, his brother Paul (Marilyn), and his in-laws Priscilla (Bob) Begani and Bruce Strand.
Plans to honor George will be decided later. Donations in his memory can be made to AZPM (PBS), University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210067, Tucson, AZ 85721-0067.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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