George Arthur Svec, age 83 of Buckley, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on July 4, 2024. He was born on January 15, 1941 to Charles and Anastasia (Fryzelka) Svec in Buckley Michigan. He grew up on the family farm with his siblings, Elizabeth "Betty", Charles and Albert. On June 25, 1966 he married the love of his life, Sandra Louise Cogswell of Traverse City. They built their home on the farm where they raised their three boys Eric, Todd and Jason. After retiring from full time farming, he moved to his home on Duck Lake where he enjoyed boating. Other pass times he enjoyed were operating the bull dozer and attending his grandchildren's sporting events.
George was a lifetime farmer initially raising chicken but eventually converted the farm to raise hogs in 1983. He served on many local boards including Grant Township (Zoning), Buckley Community Schools and The Buckley Gospel Tabernacle church board. George supported his wife with the Community Meals Program and supported many missionaries. He was a Forgotten Man Ministries Chaplin serving in the Grand Traverse and Benzie County jails. He had a great passion for helping others restore and rebuild their lives.
George is survived by his brothers Charles (Linda) and Albert Svec and sons Eric (Kimberly), Todd (Suzan) and Jason (Elizabeth). He is also survived by grandchildren Tyler (Jessica), Jordan (Amelia), Karina (Brian) Scott, Ruth (Christopher) Burt, Isaac, Levi, Caleb and Louisa along with eight great grandchildren; foster daughters Helen and Joan and foster grandson, Dillon. George was preceded in death by his wife Sandra, parents Charles and Anastasia, sister and brother-in-law Elizabeth and Ron Todd.
Thank you to all the staff at The Villas for caring for our father during his final days.
Visitation will be on Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home (305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49684)
Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Fresh Wind Christian Community (18201 Honor Hwy. Interlochen, Michigan) at 3:00 pm, with visitation beginning at 2:00pm. Burial service to follow at Grant Township Cemetery in Buckley, Michigan.
Memorial donations can be made to the local food pantry where George volunteered. Please make checks payable to Fresh Wind Christian Community with Food Pantry in the memo.