George C. Annasenz

MORTON - George C. Annasenz, 94, of Morton, Ill., passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2008, with his family at his side.

He was born July 3, 1913, in Morton, Ill., to George C. and Caroline (Entenmann) Annasenz. He married Martha E. Fundenberger in Galesburg, Ill., on May 5, 1940. She preceded him in death on Oct. 11, 2006.

George will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.

Surviving are three daughters, Shirley (and Jerry) Metz, Barbara (and Tom) Siron, both of Morton and Linda (and Bob) Beecham of Tremont, Ill; four grandchildren, Tom Jr. and Jeff Siron of Morton, Jackie Sellers and Andy Beecham, both of Tremont; seven great-grandchildren; and one brother, Robert of Marietta, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Henry Annasenz.

After serving in the United States Army during WWII in the Pacific Theater, he returned to Morton and served as Morton's postmaster for 27 years.

He was a charter member of the Morton VFW Post 5921, serving twice as a post commander. During his tenure he was instrumental in the custom of placing American flags in the downtown business area on all holidays. He served his community as a police commissioner, commissioner of a planning committee charged with the naming of Morton streets and was chairman of the first three Pumpkin Festival Parades. He had the honor of being named Grand Marshal for the 30th Pumpkin Parade in 1996.

He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in East Peoria.

George also was a lifelong member of the National League of Postmasters and the National Association of Government Employees. He was known as "Give-Away George," as he was the prize presenter at the National Convention of Postmasters for many years.

George was an avid sportsman enjoying golfing, hunting, bowling and fishing with his grandsons and son-in-laws. He was an avid supporter of the Morton High School sports programs and enjoyed his Chicago White Sox.

His family would like to especially thank all of his extended family and caregivers at Brandon Wood Retirement Home.

He never met a stranger. His quick wit and mischievous grin will always be remembered. The mold has been broken.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2008, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in East Peoria, with the Rev. Kurt Mews officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 10, 2008, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home in Morton and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in Roberts Cemetery in Morton, where full military rites will be conducted.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 200 Cole St., East Peoria, IL 61611 or the Morton VFW Post 5921, 2310 Veterans Road, Morton, IL 61550.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.knappjohnson.com.