George M. Netchey

George M. Netchey

ESCANABA — Our ever-moving, people-helping tractor guy has moved on. George M. Netchey died suddenly at home Sunday afternoon, May 11, 2025. He was born January 19, 1951 in Detroit, Mich. to Irene (Blonar) and Kenneth A. Netchey.

George was indeed a jack of trades beginning with a culinary certificate from Oakland Community College. He excelled in carpentry and woodworking in high school, winning several technical and vocational awards. Apprentice brick mason and concrete worker skills were acquired from German master craftsmen while constructing portions of the Stroh’s Brewery. Sharpshooting and shooting clay pigeons were interests he mastered on his path to Eagle Scout and a member of the Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club. Many plaques and ribbons became parts of his “brag” collection for competitive marksmanship.

His love of all things planted originated with his Bubba in Pennsylvania. Gardening and land design were hidden or not so hidden talents. If a “few” trees were eliminated in the process, so be it.

George met his wife of almost 52 years, Helen “Peg” Pickard, while working on Walled Lake Western High School, where she would be among the first teaching faculty hired to begin its premier academic year.

After their wedding in 1973, and a honeymoon in France, Germany, and Switzerland, chaperoning 13 high schoolers from his wife’s French classes; was not exactly a trip of a lifetime. George chose the Yoop as a place to live and hopefully thrive. He built his home in Lake Minnewasca with very little assistance, one of the original three houses to occupy the subdivision. He established G.N. Builders shortly after settling in. When not building homes, additions, garages, decks etc, George became a National Ski Patroller especially to help the local community enjoy a safer sport. He patrolled at the Gladstone Sports Park for more than 15 years. In addition to ski patrol, George became an active member of Brampton Township Volunteer Fire Department. His boredom and former passion for woodworking resulted in U.P. Knots N’ Bowls which featured segmented bowls, chalices, pepper grinders, and urns. George helped others in any way that he could, on many occasions without being asked. However, to the stubborn Russian/Slovak, help from others was a “no no”.

This gentle man’s favorite role was that of Papa to Kaleb (Buckshot), Kaitlyn (Petunia), Hadley (Peanut), and Ezra (Squeak). Nothing and no request was too excessive if it came from the Grands. From skiing, fishing, gardening, teaching bike riding, cooking, or 4- wheeling, apple picking in the tractor bucket, dress-up complete with crown Mardi Gras beads, and hair styling.

George aka Robin Hood of Mud Lake, Chainsaw Charlie, was loved and valued by so many. Indeed, his absence leaves an irreparable void in our hearts.

George is survived by his wife, Helen (Peg); children, Anya (Ric) Sutherland, Mikhail, and Margaux (Justin) LaCrosse; grandchildren, Kaleb and Kaitlyn Collard, Hadley LaCrosse, and Ezra Netchey; brother, Jack Netchey; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Eloise and Campbell Moore, Karen and John Pickard, and Kenneth M. Pickard; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews

George was preceded in death by both his parents, and brother, Kenneth A Netchey II.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 21 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Escanaba. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. with Bishop Rayford Ray officiating. A luncheon will take place after the service in the church hall. Interment will take place in Fernwood Cemetery on Thursday, May 22 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family who plan to honor George through the Brampton Township Fire Department. Messages of condolence can be directed to the family at www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Netchey family.