George F. Frelich, age 97, a resident of Waunakee, and formerly of Manitowoc, entered eternal life while surrounded by his family on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at Waunakee Manor Health Care Center.

George was born on October 30, 1917 in the Town of Cooperstown in Manitowoc County to the late Albert and Emma Kubsh Frelich. Having lost both parents at a young age, he ran the family farm with his two older brothers for several years followed by working at a cheese factory. George was then employed with Wisconsin Northern Produce and later with Imperial Eastman until retiring in 1981. On November 18, 1944, George married Irene J. Yanda in Tisch Mills. She preceded him in death on March 28, 1991. Gardening was his passion; he spent hours developing his raspberries. Dancing, playing cards, and fishing were hobbies he loved; but above all, he was the "best of the best" when it came to his family and three daughters. George was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Manitowoc Senior Center, Lamplighters Dance Group, and a 75 year member of Western Fraternal Insurance.

Survivors include George's three daughters: Gerri Wicklund, Middleton; Jean (Michael) Hopson, Fairview, TX; and Joan (Jeffrey) Fischer, Waunakee; eight grandchildren: Julia Wicklund, Elizabeth (Paul) O'Hearn, Bradley (Cori) Wicklund, Tim (Jennifer) Hopson, Bonnie (Jeff) Giron, Sarah Fischer, Justin (Kristin) Fischer, and Kyle Fischer; 11 great grandchildren: Kacie and Paul O'Hearn; Arlene, Edith, and Rosalind Wicklund; Michael, Matthew, and Zachery Hopson; Lana Giron; Ava Fischer, and George Buelow; sister-in-law: Bernadine Yanda; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. George was preceded in death by his wife: Irene; a son in infancy; two brothers; two sisters; son-in-law: Dennis Wicklund; also other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A Celebration of George's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo – 1121 North 14th Street, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Dave Beaudry with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. A luncheon for family and friends will then be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

George was a gentle, caring man and his love for God, family and friends was endless. A special thank you to the caring staff at Waunakee Manor who provided not only excellent physical care, but also compassion and love. Further thanks to his Manitowoc friends and neighbors who provided love and support to him.

As George always said, "Keep smiling"!