Columbia Heights - 88, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong advocate for peace and justice, passed away on May 4, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born July 30, 1937, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, George was the youngest of a large Catholic family, which shaped his dedication to family, passion for everything he pursued in life, sense of humor, resilience, and deep appreciation for community.

George and his wife Helene met and married in Chicago in 1967, building a partnership together on a sense of shared purpose. Their home was centered around service, politics, hospitality, and a deep sense of responsibility to others. George was a proud father and grandfather. He was an ever-present cheerleader at his children's many activities and life milestones and brought that same enthusiasm and pride to his grandchildren. Some of the happiest memories he created were on long family road trips, camping adventures in the BWCA, golfing and fishing on Minnesota's many lakes – complaining for decades about "the big one that got away." George was known as a memorable storyteller, with a larger-than-life personality, a sharp sense of humor, and a gift for making people laugh.

After serving in the U.S. Army, George attended the U.S. State Department's Foreign Service School, deepening his understanding of U.S. foreign policy before working in Latin America under the Kennedy administration's Alliance for Progress, as part of a broader effort to promote social and economic development. His convictions led him back to work with young people and those on the margins, including time spent working with youth at Boys Town in NYC. George became a Catholic peace activist and organizer of the Catonsville Nine, which on May 17, 1968, burned Vietnam War draft records in Catonsville, MD. This action helped inspire a wave of similar actions in the following years, contributing to broader political and social pressures that led to the end of the mandatory military draft in the U.S. His encouragement and sense of purpose also extended to his many nieces and nephews, several of whom were inspired by his example into their own commitments to activism and careers in service.

George continued his energy and advocacy for others by founding the National Coordinating Committee for Justice Under Law and later serving on the St. Cloud City Council. He continued to champion workers' rights into the 1990s through his work for the Minnesota Education Association and Minnesota Community College Faculty Association. Later in life, George brought his creativity and energy into a new marketing business, working with companies including Twin Cities Storm + Sash and Minnesota Rusco. Some of his most memorable advertising lines became part of the Minnesota State Fair experience for many attendees and are memorialized at its Grandstand today.

He is survived by his wife, Helene; his children, Danielle (Shawn) Hennen, Philip (Jenifer) Mische, Christopher (Amy) Mische, Peter (Lindsay) Mische, and Cecilia (Grant Thompson) Mische; and his nine grandchildren, his brother Wilfred and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and several siblings.

A celebration of George's life will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Visitation begins at 4:00PM and the memorial service begins at 6:00PM all at:

www.Washburn-McReavy.com

Northeast Chapel 612-781-6828

2901 Johnson St. NE