DeVoe, George R.

MADISON-George R. DeVoe, age 87, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010, at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was born on Aug. 8, 1922, in Phelps,  the son of George F. and Sophie (Boehm) DeVoe. George married Betty Unterfranz on June 18, 1947, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Madison.  He graduated from Madison East High School in 1940.  George attended UW-Stout, where he proudly played on the football team.  He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II as a B-17 pilot.  He flew 34 missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.  George worked at the U.S. Post Office from 1947 until 1987.  He played a mean first base in the Madison Industrial League, followed by many years of umpiring.  George enjoyed his  fishing trips to Canada, golf, and was a member of  MARGA, Knights of Columbus, and the Elks.  He also traveled world-wide, taking his family along on many of these adventures.  George gave of himself through numerous hours of community volunteering.  

He is survived by his wife, Betty; three daughters, Nancy (Steve) Spilde, Mary Beth (Scott) Heller, Susan (Bill) Otis; and son-in-law, Richard Duwe; ten grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
George was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kathleen Duwe; and granddaughter, Nikki Heller.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at noon on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010, with Father John Meinholz presiding. Burial will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.  Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Susan G. Koman Foundation.