George A. Rushton

George A. Rushton
2600 Heritage Woods Drive
Appleton

Age 84 Passed Away at the Heritage May 8, 2001

Born in Niagara Falls, New York, on July 31, 1916, he attended local schools and Niagara University for his undergraduate and graduate studies. While attending college during the Depression, George worked evenings at Kimberly-Clark Corporation’s Niagara Falls Mill. He was listed in “Who’s Who” in American Universities and Colleges and was named the outstanding military ROTC Honor Graduate.

Upon graduation, he joined Kimberly-Clark’s Niagara Falls Mill Personnel Department; and one year later was ordered to active duty with the 44th Infantry Division and later with the XVI Army Corp Headquarters as an Assistant Adjutant General. During WWII, he served in Camp Polk, Louisiana, Fort Dix, New Jersey, Fort Lewis, Washington, and Fort Riley, Kansas as well as serving in the European Theatre of Operations with distinction in England, France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. He received five (5) military medals and ribbons during the war years.

Upon release from Active duty, he rejoined Kimberly-Clark and in 1952 was transferred to KC’s corporate headquarters in Neenah as Personnel Superintendent for Research and Development. George also served as Manager of Management Training and Development for the Lakeview Mill; retiring in 1981 after 44 years of service.

Over the years, he remained active in the U.S. Army Reserve in New York and Wisconsin. While in Appleton, he served as a LT Colonel commanding the 5009th Research and Development Unit prior to retiring from military service in 1976.

George was a member of KC’s Quarter Century Club, 58+ year member of the Niagara Frontier Masonic Lodge # 132, a life member of the Reserve Officer’s Association and the Retired Officer’s Association. Over the years he held numerous positions of leadership in various civic and community organizations in both Niagara Falls and Appleton. He was a charter member of the 44th Infantry Division Association and a past distinguished president of Appleton’s “Golden K” Kiwanis Club. He was Chairman of the YMCA Physical Education Committee for many years working with Director Mickey McQuire and was also active in the Appleton Cub and Scouting movement. He was a life long member of the United Methodist Church serving as Youth Department Superintendent as well as on various committees, commissions and board of trustees. He was also a former usher and for many years a certified lay preacher for his church.

In tennis, George still holds the distinction of being ranked # 1 by the Wisconsin Tennis Association for five (5) consecutive years in the 45 years of age and over senior singles division. In addition, he received many honors over the years for his tennis accomplishments in local, state, Midwest and national tennis circles. He was particularly proud of the year 1965 when he won the Wisconsin State Title and his son Jeff won the State Junior Title. Other interests included golf, bowling, table tennis, racquetball, horseshoes, bridge, backgammon, and reading. He enjoyed devoting time as a volunteer in various community organizations.

George was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jessie May (Graves) on January 12, 1996, his parents George and Mary (Rhodes) Rushton, a sister Mildred and three (3) brothers Edward, Charles, and Jerald. Survivors include a daughter Sandra and son-in-law Wendell Smith, Goodyear, Arizona, grandson Chad Smith, Las Vegas, Nevada, grand-daughter Tiffani (Paul) Hamstra and great grandsons Noah and Jonah, Avondale, Arizona, a son Jeffrey and daughter-in-law Christine, and grandchildren Hollie and Mathew, Mequon, Wisconsin; a sister-in-law Mary Ann Rushton, Poland, Ohio; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law Charles and Louise Graves, Greenbrook, New Jersey. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and many dear friends. Devotion to family was always uppermost in the lives of both George and Jessie.

There will be no visitation. Memorial Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 21, 2001, at FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 325 East Franklin Street, Appleton, with the Reverend Kent Ingram officiating. The family will receive friends directly following the service in the Fellowship Parlor. Inurnment will be in Appleton Highland Memorial Park.

A memorial fund has been established for the youth department First United Methodist Church, Appleton and the local Salvation Army.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 920-739-1231