George W. Zentgraf

George William Zentgraf (January 24, 1925 - September 5, 2025) of Central Point, Oregon, passed away peacefully surrounded by his six children and dear friends. At 100 years old, George decided that it was time to be with his beloved wife, Lois, who preceded him 10 years in death.
George was born in Wahpeton, North Dakota to German and Norwegian parents. He was the eldest son of George and Dorothea Zentgraf and had a younger brother, Frank, who passed away in 1991. Growing up and coming of age during the jazz and big band eras shaped his life-long love of music, singing, and dancing. The musical environment provided by his mother, along with artistic influences of subsequent decades influenced George's talents and interests in music and painting throughout his life.
As a child of the depression, George grew up quickly. Upon losing his career in banking after the market crash of 1929, George's father took whatever work that he could to support his family and numerous others in their neighborhood. As a young boy George contributed by selling eggs, tending the family garden, and working alongside of his father as he delivered bread to the surrounding communities. From this upbringing George developed a strong sense of dedication, responsibility, and commitment to his work and others. Throughout his life he remained humble, often saying "I'm nobody special" and " glad I could help."
George was a proud patriot. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he became a member of the Seabee's, a special military unit established during WWII. His deployment took him to the Solomon Islands where he spent the better part of the final three years of the war. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Petty Officer in 1945. Upon his return to the mainland, he was welcomed home by his North Dakota sweetheart, Lois Huseth and they married within weeks. They had 6 children, 19 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild and celebrated 70 years of marriage.
He will be forever remembered for his belief in God, his impeccable manners and dress, his masterful carpentry skills, and his many good works with the church and the Knights of Columbus. He was the multi-talented, "go to" person for family and friends for his ability to fix or build most anything; cars, motors, furniture, home remodeling, roofing, appliances, you name it. He even once made a surfboard, and he helped build a church in Texas.
George Zentgraf was a kind man. He was not always easy, but none of us are. He loved his family and had a way, in even the smallest of gestures, of making each of his children feel special. We were lucky to have him with us for so long. He was indeed one in a generation of greats.
Funeral Mass
Will be held on Friday, October 17th - 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 517 W. 10th Street, Medford, OR. www.sacredheartmedford.org
Burial
Immediately follows at Eagle Point National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. Eagle Point National Cemetery, 2763 Riley Road, Eagle Point, Oregon
Celebration of George's Life
The family invite all who knew him to attend and share their memories at a to be held at the family home – 208 Freeman Road, Central Point, Oregon at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
www.stjude.org
George always had a special place in his heart for children.