George Gray

Mass of Christian Burial for George Gray, 89, of Onalaska, WI, formerly of Jamestown, ND, will be held Monday, February 26th at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Basilica, Jamestown, ND.  Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral. 

Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND at 3:00 p.m. (Where George helped build the chapel and prepare the grounds.)

George passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, February 17th, 2024 at Mayo Franciscan Hospital in Onalaska, WI.

George C. Gray, only child of Rose (Gores) and Frank Gray, was born January 19, 1935.  He grew up in Montpelier and Jamestown where he attended school.  He graduated from the Mechanics program at ND State School of Science, Wahpeton.

On, April 14, 1958, George and Ione Neva were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Courtenay, ND.  They welcomed three daughters and one son.

In 1952, George enlisted in the ND National Guard.  His distinguished service with 141st Engineer Combat Battalion spanned forty-two years.  After retirement from the Guard maintenance shop, he spent several years as an instructor at Camp Grafton. He worked a number of seasons as a mechanic at the Jamestown Country Club and several winters plowing snow for the City of Jamestown, which he said was one of his favorite jobs.  Another favorite was certifying welders at Newman Signs.

George served on the Jamestown Rural Fire Department for forty-five years; 23 years as captain and thirteen years as chief.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Jamestown Eagles.  He also volunteered at St. James Basilica.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ione; daughters, Jane Lesmeister, Mary (Craig) Wanzek, and Cheryl Gray; one son, Jerry (Maureen) Gray; grandchildren:  Kristin Tordoff, Emily, Katie, and Jason Gray, Nic (Tabatha), Matt (Lacey), and Adam (Kendra) Lesmeister; and seven great grandchildren, Arielle, Leilah, Naomi, Avi, Ruthie, Hadlee, Ella.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in Law, Jerry Lesmeister

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. James Basilica organ fund, or the ND Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

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