George Jongeling
George Behrend Jongeling, 78, of Milford passed away June 29. George was a generous, wise and kind man whose life was truly a blessing to his loving family and his many friends.
Born in 1943 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, George was the eldest child of George and Evelyn Jongeling. His childhood was spent on his family’s dairy farm in Chancellor, South Dakota, where he had many adventures and helped his parents with every aspect of the farm’s operation. After attending a one-room schoolhouse through eighth grade, George graduated from Chancellor High School in 1961. George went on to graduate from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1966 with a degree in mechanical engineering.
George started his engineering career in the field of power generation with the General Electric Company. Business travel for his various management positions took him all over the United States, Europe and Africa during his 25 years with GE. In 1989, George joined the Swiss Company ABB as vice president of turbine power generation. He completed his professional career as vice president of gas operations for Keyspan Energy of New England, retiring in 2005.
During their 28-year marriage, George and his wife, Judy, traveled the world, both on business and during their retirement. They enjoyed many winters in Naples, Florida, always welcoming their family members to join them. George was an outdoors enthusiast, and enjoyed annual fishing and hunting trips with his best friends in Alaska, Colorado, Missouri and South Dakota. George treasured the special trips he made with his children to Egypt, Spain and Greece.
George is survived by his wife, Judy, daughter Kristi (Worcester), son Steven and partner Rita (Clifton Park, New York), grandson Alex and wife Sarah (Latham, New York), former wife Vera (Sioux Falls, South Dakota), brother Charles and wife Barbara (Sioux Falls), sister Darline (Charlotte, North Carolina), stepdaughter Lisa Vega and husband Joseph (Napa, California) and their two children, Roger and Jolie, stepdaughter Lana McAuliffe and husband John (Hopkinton) and their children, Tommy, Sam, Jack, Zachary and Lisa, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cherished friends.
George was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend — always there for everyone, with an easy smile and a helping hand. His was a life well-lived.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Chancellor, South Dakota. Local arrangements have been entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, Hopkinton.
I am so sorry to read about George passing away. He was my neighbor and I often would see him out walking with Judy. He liked my little dog and was always smiling.
He was an interesting man, always helping out on committees here at Walden Woods.
My sincere sympathies to Judy and his family. May he Rest In Peace.