G. Jeffrey George
MAPLE GROVE, MN - The inability to print expletives impedes our ability to properly memorialize Jeff George. Such things remain "verboten," as he would say in his impressive faux German accent. In truth, his obituary might be better placed as one final fiery "Letter to the Editor", which he was fond of submitting.
George Jeffrey George (yes, really) was born on February 17, 1947 in Iowa City, Iowa, to Edith and Dr. E.J. George, who raised him in Dyersville, Iowa. Jesuit priests educated Jeff, first at Campion High School (1965) and then Georgetown University (1969), teaching him curiosity and skepticism in equal measures. He rounded this out with a law degree from the University of Iowa (1974).
The U.S. Army awarded Jeff a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam, and he served in the Army Reserves for years afterward.
Jeff was proudly married to Elaine (Brueckner) for 53 years. Despite his gruff demeanor, when pressed, he reminded her: "Jesus Christ, Elaine, I've loved you since 7th grade."
Jeff retired in 2021 from the La Crosse firm Moen Sheehan Meyer after 47 years as a trial attorney, but never stopped giving closing arguments.
To know Jeff was to be slightly afraid of him, but the serotonin boost that came from making him laugh or teaching him something he didn't know balanced this. The former was better received by Jeff than the latter, of course.
A voracious reader, he also loved history, politics - and playing music at a wall-shaking volume 75. He boasted the height, temper and beautiful brown eyes of Hemingway.
Jeff was a lifelong leader in his community. He served four years on the Wisconsin State Bar Board of Governors, was a past president of the Assembly and Continental dance clubs and the La Crosse County Bar Association and served on the board of the La Crosse Public Library. He delivered Mobile Meals to seniors until the week he died.
Jeff's spirit will live on whenever someone corrects our grammar, criticizes our political views or orders a Beefeater martini straight up with a twist of lemon.
He was preceded in death by his mother Edith, his father Eldon and his son Michael. He leaves behind wife Elaine, brother Bill, daughters Jennifer (Ken) Ericson, Katie (Gus) Ewoldt and Libby (Jacob Parakilas) and seven grandchildren who will dearly miss the Papa who patted them on the head as they ran past.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Jeff with donations to the Southern Poverty Law Center at https://www.splcenter.org/.
And now to sign off the way Jeff often ended work calls, we'll simply say: "Good enough."

Robert J Regan, Sr
April 14, 2025
Jeeps was a good friend in college! Always quick to laugh when we told him corn woman was on the phone. HE was always faithful to her no matter how hard the felines tried.
Jack Greider Jr
July 25, 2024
Never complained when I returned his football helmet and shoulder pads, sweaty, after a game...what a guy! Didn't know he could dance...
Vicki Thiel
June 18, 2024
I worked for Jeff when I worked for MSM. He was a good man. He was always willing to listen no matter what and was always willing to find an answer. I remember when he and his wife stopped at the hosoital to see me when i had a secondary infection from an appendix removal. I was so sad when i learned he died, and i didnt know until later this year. He always reminded me of my dad. His build, his hair and his desire to dance. I know his family will miss him deeply, but those who spent time working with him, will miss him too. Sincere condolanes to his family.
Rick & Vicki Thiel
John Redmond
March 17, 2024
Elaine,
Marie and I were sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. Jeff was part of a group of close friends at Campion that I had the privilege of spending a lot of time with. I was the first person Jeff met at Campion as we stood in line at the school store to acquire our supplies. I can still remember that moment, which shows what an impression Jeff made . We all miss him.
John (R) Redmond
Larry and Cathy Pupp
March 1, 2024
Elaine,
Our sympathies on Jeff's passing. We will always remember the many years spent with Continental Dance Club, and Jeff's and your leadership of that group. We still do the "Jeff and Elaine" move in waltz that we learned from you. Best wishes to you and your family.
Sincerely, Larry and Cathy Pupp
KItty Rott
March 1, 2024
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. I'm grateful that I got the chance to know him . He told me many stories about your family that were heart warming. I looked forward to his visits as his hairdresser for years. Please know that I am praying for your peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Kitty
Terry Collins
February 29, 2024
Elaine and girls,
I am so sorry about Jeff´s passing. What a shock! Jeff and I had so many interactions over the years both in the practice of law and in social settings. Jeff was one of the funniest, iconoclastic, well read and fun guys I have known. I will miss him. Terry Collins
Dianne (Ronnebaum)Oberbroeckling
February 29, 2024
Elaine, my sincere sympathy upon the loss of your husband. Peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Jeanne (Weber) Kluesner
February 28, 2024
Elaine & family, so sorry to hear of Jeff´s death.
Karen George
February 27, 2024
Sincere condolences to the Jeff George family. Thinking of all of you. Karen
Sue Lynch
February 26, 2024
My sincere sympathy and prayers to Elaine and her family
Lots of fond memories of Jeff over the years. I hope Jeff, Tom and Frank are having a ball in heaven talking politics.
Sending love to all
Michael John Rosborough
February 25, 2024
A delightful and witty member of the bar and at the bar. Sorry to see him go so soon. My condolences to the family. I'll make a contribution in his memory to the SPLC.
Nancy E. in Victoria, TX.
February 24, 2024
G. George is one of those folks whom I never knew but wish I had. Peace To Us All.
Mike Davy
February 24, 2024
Surprised and saddened by this news. Jeff was unique, in the best ways. The obituary has the perfect tone for his personality. He will be missed. Aloha.
Maureen Breuer
February 24, 2024
Dear Elaine, Jennifer, Katie, and Libby,
What a beautiful tribute to such an outstanding man. It was a pleasure encountering Jeff and Elaine in the back row of group strength classes at the La Crosse Y. I rarely heard either of them complain, probably because I was too busy groaning. We also enjoyed early morning cycling classes with instructors Kathy and Patty. Jeff actually smiled a few times, especially when the music was cranked. I will keep all of you, and especially Jeff, in my prayers.
PS. I still have the refrigerator magnet Katie made for me during her demo speech
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