MALTA-George
E. Green, 86, a retired farmer/ business man, passed away
Friday, February 11, at the Billings Clinic of COPD.Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M., Saturday, February 19th, at the Malta Lutheran Church. There will be a visitation on Friday at 7:00 P.M. at the Kirkwood Memorial Chapel. Cremation will follow the funeral services with interment in the Malta Cemetery at a later date. Memorials in George’s name can be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences for the family may be left at www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com. Kirkwood Funeral Home of Malta is in charge of arrangements.
George was the oldest child of George and Ethel (Quackenbush) Green. He was born September 1, 1924 at the family home, in the Forks Community, where they live until 1936 when they moved to the South Wagner community.
George graduated from Malta High School in 1942. He went to Portland, Oregon the fall after graduation where he worked as a Certified Welder in the shipyards building Liberty Ships and Aircraft Carriers. George wrote in his memoirs, “The high spot in my life was on December 23rd, 1947 when I married Violet Newton.” They celebrated 63 years together.
George was very civic-minded man and enjoyed the opportunity to serve on a number of boards. George began as a clerk at the Four Corners School in South Wagner. He served on the School Board for 17 years and the School Transportation Board for 15 years until the South Wagner School closed. He also served on the Malta School Board for 3 years, and the Malta Irrigation District for 12 years, the Phillips County/Malta Hospital Board for one term and the Phillips County TV Board for 3 years. George often remarked that serving on the boards could be very enjoyable but equally demanding.
George lived and farmed in the South Wagner Community until 1971 when he changed his career and bought the Enco bulk fuel business in Malta. He continued to build this business with the purchase of a service station, which later became a convenience store and with an added propane business established Greens’ Sales, Inc. Other businesses included Sport Stop, K&G Drilling and Mr. Tire. He retired in 1995.
George had no patience for idle time, and he always had a project he was working on. He had a lifelong love of working with wood. When he lived in South Wagner, he did winter remodels for Violet and their growing family. George built 5 homes and did many remodeling jobs through the years. He didn’t use blueprints. He always said “just get me a quick drawing, and I’ll get it done for you.” In George’s 80th year, he completely restored a 1936 International Farm truck that was bought brand new by his father-in-law, Howard Newton. As George grew older, the projects got smaller, but his passion for woodworking never diminished. In the last few years, he built over 30 covered wagon lamps for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and close friends.
George enjoyed being with his family and watching his grandkids and great-grandkids in sports events and school programs and just being with them sharing some of life’s lessons.
George is survived by his wife, Violet M. Green; daughters Diana (Ron) Martinez of Reed Point, Janet Kaufman of Missoula; son Stanley (Lynnette) Green of Malta; 13 grandchildren: Ronald (Lorie) Martinez Jr., Geneta (Tye) Faw, Crystal, Levi, and Edward (Krista) Koss, Corey, Amy, Zachary, Megan and Josiah Kaufman, Steven, Erin and Matthew Green; 13 great-grandchildren Courtney and Colby Martinez, Timothy, TyRell, Taylor, Tenley, Taylen Faw, Edward “EJ” and Elizabeth Lowney Koss, Barbara and Aaron Erhart Koss; Samuel and Brianda Kaufman; siblings, Mildred (Lynn) Boothe of Billings, Donald Green of Malta, Carl (Susanne) Green of Chester, Roger (Myrna) Green of Great Falls, Robert (Bobbie) Green of Kelseyville, California. George was preceded in death by his parents George and Ethel, his brother Dale and sister Margaret Kessler Bleken and daughter Barbara Koss.
George was much loved, and was considered by all to be the foundation of his family. He will be dearly missed.
Rest in Peace…
Guest Book
From: Ludell Heaton
George was a great man and I am happy to say I knew him and his family. May he rest in peace and may you all have loving memories to get you through this time. Love to all Ludell Orahood Heaton
From: Darwin and Betty Zellmer
We are sorry for the passing of George. He helped us get started in taking over the service station in Harlem in 1979. His example of how to run a business and treat people with respect lives on in us and others of whom his life had touched. He was a gentleman, businessman, and a trusted friend. I am sure his grandchildren will miss his caring hands of bountiful work.
With respect, Darwin and Betty Zellmer
From: Judy Kangas Young
Violet and Family,
So sorry for your loss of George. So many memories from my childhood and the good old days in the South Wagner community and of course, the school. What a great place for all of us to grow up at. I hope your memories are bright spot for you all at this time.
From: Ludell Heaton
George was a great man and I am happy to say I knew him and his family. May he rest in peace and may you all have loving memories to get you through this time. Love to all Ludell Orahood Heaton
From: Mike & Lorraine Hughes
We are sad to hear of George's death. I always enjoyed our chats at the office. He always shared such wisdom and humor. Mike has always respected George as well. I know you all have great memories to comfort you now. What a wonderful legacy he left to all of you. Sincerely, Mike & Lorraine Hughes
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