George Miletich Senior, 90

George Miletich Sr., 90, passed away at his home peacefully Dec. 5, 2023. He is now at peace and rejoined in heaven with his wife of 63 years, Shirley. 

He was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, on April 2, 1933, to parents, Lazar Miletich and Augustina Miletich. 

He grew up in the Holyoke/Westfield, Massachusetts, area where he met Shirley when they were teenagers and George would tell stories of how they shared dates to the roller rink, burger stands, church, traveling to see boxing matches, going to various dances at community centers, and Polish American clubs, often walking to the dates or hitching a ride as neither had a car. 

On May 22, 1954, George and Shirley were married at First Lutheran Church in Holyoke, Massachusetts, where they went on to build a home together and have two children Lawrence and George Jr. 

He made the choice to move westward in the late 1970s in search of a better life and after a brief stay in Boise, Idaho, he decided to move to Kalispell, Montana, and pursue building a home and establishing a life there. 

He had many occupations in life from early years picking tobacco to carpentry, which he had learned much from his father who was a carpenter, working in a brick yard, truck driver, public works, and as a musician; playing bass guitar and singing in several bands in Massachusetts, Idaho, and Montana. 

He greatly enjoyed the outdoors in many ways including hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding, camping, and later in life the sport of trapshooting, where he made many friends participating in tournaments and leagues. He shot his last round of trap on his 90th birthday with his sons, Larry and George. 

He was preceded by his mother, Augustina; and father, Lazar; and wife, Shirley. 

He is survived by his son's, George Jr. (wife Carol) and Lawrence (wife Serra); two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, many friends, and his companions for many years, housecats Rambo and Josie. 

The Family would like to thank the many caregivers and medical staff that provided such excellent care and services for George over the years. 

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Dec. 18, at the Johnson- Gloschat Funeral Home.