George A. Pithan

1926 - 2023

George A. Pithan

Sioux City

George A. Pithan, 96, of Sioux City passed away Friday, March 3, 2023.

Service will be 9:30 a.m. on Monday at Southern Hills Baptist Church with Rev. Bob Dillman officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. today at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel with a time of sharing at 4 p.m. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Pithan was born Aug. 10, 1926, in Denison, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Bula Pithan. He attended grade school and junior high school in Denison until his father's death. He then moved with family to Sioux City, where he attended East High School, graduating in 1944. While in high school he enlisted in the Iowa State Guard which was preparing him for his later military career.

After high school graduation, he entered the United States Army. His basic training was at Camp Robinson, Arkansas after which he was sent to the Philippine Islands. When Japan surrendered, he was sent to Japan for occupation duty. While in Japan, he reenlisted and returned home to train recruits at Fort Belvoir, Va., until his discharge. After his discharge from the army, he continued to serve in the army reserve until his retirement in 1986. He retired from the military with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

During his military career he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal with Luzon battle star, the World War II Victory Medal, the Japan Occupation Medal, and the 30 year Reserve Forced Medal.

As a final note to his military career, Col. Pithan was a participant on the 2009 Sioux City Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., thanks to Cathy Mueller and others.

Col. Pithan's wife, Joann, received a certificate of appreciation from the Department of the Army for her unselfish, faithful, and devoted service.

Not only did Col. Pithan have a military career, he also had a lengthy teaching career. He received his bachelor's degree from Morningside College. While in college, he met the love of his life, Joann Will of Aurelia, Iowa. They were married in 1949.

Mr. Pithan began his teaching career in Westfield, Iowa. He later taught at Sergeant Bluff and in the Sioux City schools at North Junior, Riverside Junior and final years at Herbert Hoover. He retired from teaching in 1988.

After his retirement from teaching Col. Pithan became a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He became the commander of the unit. Later the Pithans moved to Missouri where he was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He became the flotilla commander and was active with many boat inspections. While in Missouri, he and his wife were active in the show and museum in Branson. After 15 years the couple moved back to Sioux City to be with their families.

He is survived by two sons, Joseph (Carol) Pithan, and Merle (Terri) Pithan; eight grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joann; daughter, Becky Amick; son, Robert James; parents; brother, John (Jack) Pithan; and two sisters, Margarett (Peggy) Anderson Carter, and Luella Caroline in infancy.

Memorials in his name may be directed to the Southern Hills Baptist Church or to the family.