George K. McFall

George K. McFall, age 92, of Platteville, WI, died Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at Manor Care Healthcare Services in Platteville. George was born on February 2, 1921 in Platteville, a son of Elwood and Eunice (Gollmer) McFall.

George graduated from Platteville High School in 1939 and volunteered for the Army Air Corps on December 30, 1941 with the dream of learning to fly. He earned his silver wings and officer commission on June 22, 1943 and was assigned as a B-17 pilot, stationed at the 8^th Air Force base in Knettishall, England. He piloted the Heaven Can Wait until it was shot down and he became a prisoner of war. After 13 months in captivity he returned home to Platteville, where he married Elaine Bride at St. Marys Catholic Church on June 25, 1946. He graduated from the Platteville School of Mines in 1948 and from the Rolla School of Mines and Metallurgy in 1950. He and his wife moved to Rockford, Il where he worked as a metallurgist for 34 years while helping to raise six children. He returned home to Platteville in 2000. He enjoyed birding, tinkering in his workshop and going on adventures with his family.

George is survived by six children, Linda (Steven) Hall of Loves Park, IL, Mary (Leo) Shusta of Tucson, AZ, George Jr. (Marlys) of Carol Stream, IL, Donald (Becky) of Williamsville, IL, Dennis of Rockford, IL, & Ellen McFall of Platteville; thirteen grandchildren, Shawn, Daniel, Michael, Jason, Brenda, Ryan, Kristina, George W., John, Kate, Will, Robert, & Betsy; 19 great-grandchildren; a brother, Douglas of Carmi, IL; a sister, Margaret Sigurdson of Minden, NE; and numerous nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine in 2007; his parents; three brothers, Lyle, Dale, & Robert; and two sisters, Gladys Brown & Dorothy Zart.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 am on Monday, June 3, 2013 at St. Marys Catholic Church, Platteville, with Fr. Faustino Ruiz officiating. Burial with military honors was in Calvary Cemetery in Platteville. Friends called from 1 to 4 pm on Sunday, June 2, 2013 at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home, 100 Park Place, Platteville, and one hour prior to the service Monday at the church.