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George Barber Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for George Barber
Sponsored by Hartson Funeral Home - Hales Corners.
Sherry Nagel
September 21, 2024
Rest In Peace George.
Bo & I really m I ss you.
David mikloczak
September 19, 2024
First Id like to say this is the worst news ever..I was an inmate at kmci.
1998 or so to 2000..I signed up for the welding course after some time I made it in to the program.Mr Barber was a great they he led by example..I didnt.know much at all about welding the first time I struck an arc in class 7018 1/8 rod lol I jumped and threw the electrode holder.." no one saw" lol. After while I listened to George constantly even when he wasn't talking to me..I seen letters previous inmates sent him..he had them hanging all over the shop..I thought maybe welding could change my life as it did others..so I threw myself into learning every aspect of metal working that I could always asking questions and trying to do better..George always said the goal is to just make your next weld better then the last one..it stuck with me my entire life..I eventually got pretty good at everything George had to offer at the course..time came to take my finals on the entire course which was legitimate college credits and welding certs..I passed but I didn't like the fact that I wouldn't be able to come to class anymore..George wasnt just a teacher or a guard..He was a friend..when in his class you fidnt feel like an inmate you felt like part of a team..George like myself loved to joke around constantly we would do alot of horseplay in class..all harmless..but it was kinda teaching too...cuz we would rig machines to not work put cardboard on ground clamps cellophane between regulator and tri mix tank..just to watch the guys come out saying their stuff dont work..George would say it worked fine last class..grab his helmet and go in their booth while they were dealing with George id undo whatever trick we thought up and George would lay down the nicest bead youd ever seen..and the guy would ve stupified..lol now if he was a good guy..I might sneak the trick back in..or not..lol we always told them by end of class we got em.. after i graduated..George asked me if id work for him and the prison..so i did of course..I enjoyed it welding up doors for solitary hand railings etc..he also if you worked there let you do projects..he had built a swing chair with no overhead like sawhorse..it instead was only tall.as arms on swing chair..I made one of my own with the sunnand it's rays making up back of chair..a gaurd bought it immediately..then George would have like a dinner for us workers..pizza from the streets tastes alot better in the joint..no one else ever did that kind of stuff for us..we all.respected George..some more then others..I got out of prison 2000 it is now 2024..I never went back..at the time it was my fourth time in prison with a childhood of state reform schools..most had given up on me i just couldnt stay out of trouble..I wanted to change didnt know how..George taught me so many things about steel how to work it to get the result you need..how to straighten pull it etc..dude was a genius!! Trust me..hardest thing he tasked me to do was make a big funnel to weld to garbage can cuz inmates would throw trash and miss all the time and leave it..sounds funny but funnels are hard to make especially out of steel..I gave up and couldn't get it to match on either end so I opted to weld it the way it was and cut off both ends and grind it straight..he caught me taking it up and said wth is that? I explained my way would of got same results..but he said oh..you'll be better then that you can't settle on a hack job what would people think lol..I learned about formulas that day..and when unplugged correct numbers into the formula he gave it was almost a perfect match..he'd wink at ya he was a cool dude..I ve tried to find George on social media for years I had called the prison several times to inquire and why and they always said they don't know how to reach him probly security reasons though they never said that..I really wanted to thank him for the knowledge and the opportunity he gave me he didn't have to..He was so good at teaching the weld class there that when I was there I seen kettle moraine tech come in and ask him for advice and they watched a few days..cuz welders would get out and start work and be top 5 guys in company in a few weeks welding that is..he was the real deal!! He's taught me things about metalurgy most don't understand and when opportunity arises I would be that guy..I can do it..and I get the class clown thinks he can donit look..lol then they want explanation how..and when you start talking about molecular structures and what not all the sudden your very humorous..with the go ahead and do it then..meaning let the cocky guy try it and we can all laugh when it fails..more often then not out would come the rabbit out my hat and even though i was a big jokster when it came to working steel and there was somthing left field everyone walked away from theyd come get me..lol..I'm not bragging this post is all truly for George idk if any of his family or freinds will ever even read this but if they do I hope they will get a clear picture of a mentor..after orison i had started welding and like others id come in theyd say were not hiring at this time but we will give you the test and if you do well and somthing opens up we*ll have you on file..some were alone tests some were everyone gathers to watch tests..and i cant.remember one time of taking the test and not leaving with a start date some the next day..I went on to be a supervisor of the weld crew at a multi million.dollar company building wind towers..I erected steel on the head church of scientology on Clearwater beach Florida..look it up gorgeous building..out in a few miles of overhead conveyor at drag specialties in New York..what takes the cake is having a hand in building the tallest flag pole in North America accuity insurance in Wisconsin it's in the guiness book..also you can look it up videos online..it was really something..I would never have had these life experiences had it not been for George..his story about driving his big ford across a lake was a favorite story he told me..I have a first place welding trophy from florida as well on the shelf in living room as i type this company put on a welders competition for the best wekder..judged by owner and vice president. They made me a company shirt after that that reads super Dave..I still have it..I live in Kentucky now.im 52 years old I have 2 Harley's a truck car 2 four wheelers and paid off my own home..I feel like I owe George and always wanted to tell him the great achievements I've had..just so he would know some went on to great things because of him..sorry so long of a note but this is my one only chance to thank him..Thanks George for everything you taught me I'm glad to have crossed paths with you..and know that I listened to you..you are a great guy i still to this day brag you up when someone days how did you know that..my family has heard many things too..sorry i couldn't find you I tried...rest in peace my friend your memory will remain with me. Thanks again from the bottom of my heart..I'm sorry to his family and friends idk what even happened to him but I'm sure it was a huge loss for his family God bless you all....sincerely David Mikloczak former inmate 179926..my number is 920 460 5557. If anyone had something to say..take care all and stay safe
Sherry Nagel
September 29, 2022
Rest in peace George!
dick barbian
October 12, 2016
George was a friend in our early life, Loved FORDS,I am sorry to hear of his passing.
Mike Wyne
October 9, 2016
A genuine person and good soul.
barry casetta
October 6, 2016
I am overwhelmed. Always will your flame burn in my memory.
barry casetta
October 5, 2016
Just the best damn friend I ever had in my life. Definitely the most entertaining. Strong union man.....The best co worker ever....the only one that managed to talk away a whole shift with me..... I will never fully process this loss and am here for the family forever. My number is 920-921-8191 and please call me for anything. I owe George so much, so many stories. A good man plain and simple.
P Valadez
October 5, 2016
George and I did and excellent team while he worked for KMCI. George Barber was an excellent welder instructor whose effort, knowledge and experience were very valuable for KMCI. Frequently, inmates welder students expressed to me their gratitude for George's dedication, patience and professionalism to teach them. "Mr. Barber" helped inmates to achieve their welding education, change their life and most of them continue being part of the US workforce, having a legal job and decent salary.
In loving memory of a wonderful person who helped many people. I will appreciate your friendship and team work. George amigo, I will miss you always.
Bruce Cole
October 5, 2016
George was a stand up guy.
Duane Gonyon
October 5, 2016
We had lots of fun back in the 60's. Miss ya....
Mikow
Sharon Venski
October 5, 2016
Mom and I still haven't completely processed this. Better than 30 years of shared experiences on the farm--far more for Mom. We are so glad that we had the opportunity to work with George and Mike again this summer as the farm was prepped for sale. We relived many MANY stories of past times--lots of good laughs and teasing. George sure taught me a lot about creative ways to "fix" something that was broken, and to fit 10 hours of work into 5 hours of time. He was like an uncle to me. He will be sorely missed. :`(
Sherry Nagel
October 5, 2016
Rest In Peace, George.
Ken Singer
October 5, 2016
I worked with George at KMCI. He was one of the fun people to work with there. A great story teller indeed!
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Oct
6
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Hartson Funeral Home - Hales Corners11111 West Janesville Road, Hales Corners, WI 53130
Oct
7
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Hartson Funeral Home - Hales Corners11111 West Janesville Road, Hales Corners, WI 53130
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