George Gavin Wisner

George Wisner of Lakeside, Arizona, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 26, 2009. He was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania to George and Alta Belle (Patton) Wisner on November 26, 1922. In 1943, George graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy. On April 27, 1944, he married Thelma Wink in New Castle. Mr. Wisner and his wife, Thelma, raised their five children in Swartz Creek, Michigan. George was an insurance and real estate agent as well as the Michigan Public Education Director for the American Cancer Society. He volunteered many years of service to his community as a member of the Swartz Creek School Board and as an active member of the Swartz Creek United Methodist Church. In 1985, George and Thelma moved to Phoenix, Arizona. After Thelma passed away, George moved to northern Arizona to be near his son, Jon. George retired in 2001 from managing the Fred Harvey gift shop at the Petrified Forest National Park. He enjoyed spending time with his children, singing, playing the xylophone, woodworking, and computer projects. He recently created a photo directory for the residents of Solterra of the White Mountains, which allowed residents to meet each other. While at Solterra, George met and fell in love with Patricia Clements. George was also an active member of the White Mountain United Methodist Church, where he enjoyed singing in the church choir. Mr. Wisner is survived by 4 children: Terry (Lynne) of Swartz Creek, Michigan, David (Loretta) of Flint, Michigan, Jeannette (Dale) Lewis, of Petoskey, Michigan and Jon (Wendy) Wisner of Pinetop; son-in-law, Tom Thompson of Phoenix, Arizona; fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, his only brother, John, and his oldest daughter, Karen. A memorial service will be held at the White Mountain United Methodist Church 11:00 AM Saturday, July 11, 2009 . Memorial contributions may be given to the Blue Ridge Unified School District at 1200 W. White Mountain Blvd., Lakeside, Arizona 85929, or to your local branch of the American Cancer Society.