George A. Tranmal

FITCHBURG - George Allan Tranmal, age 81, passed away peacefully at UW Hospital and Clinics on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017. He was born Jan. 30, 1935, in Washburn to Ludwig and Laura (Holmen) Tranmal. In 1953, George graduated from Washburn High School. He graduated in 1959 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in mechanical engineering, eventually obtaining his PE. During his college years, George hand built his prize boat out of mahogany. After graduation, he started his engineering career at Oscar Mayer in Madison. On Oct. 3, 1964, George married the love of his life Charlene (Lunde) at First Lutheran Church in Stoughton. The two embarked on their life together in Des Plaines, Ill., when George went to work for Kraft Foods in Chicago. He worked in mechanical design at both Oscar Mayer and Kraft. In 1966, George and Charlene moved to Williams Bay, taking a leap of faith to buy Sherwood Rest Home and beginning what would be the next 21 years (24/7) of their lives as nursing home owners/administrators. In 1984, a new facility was completed next to the original renamed Williams Bay Care Center. George was an active member of the nursing home association and was one of the early administrators granted licensure in the State of Wisconsin. Through his association work, he helped create initial coursework establishing educational requirements for current nursing home administrator licensure. In Nov. of 1987, George and Charlene retired from the nursing home business to enjoy life. He remained busy with his greenhouse and other hobbies. George loved orchids, any exotic plants, woodworking, cars, his family and life. He enjoyed spending time outside and doing anything mechanical. In 2003, George and Charlene moved to Fitchburg bringing them back to the Madison area. They were fortunate to have two children, Kristen (Bill Marten) of Madison and Eric (Anna Bierer) of Milwaukee. In addition, George was blessed with his adored grandchildren Naia, Verlie Mae, and Harlan. He is survived by his wife; children; grandchildren; and many cousins and family friends. George was preceded in death by his parents; and several relatives. A private service and burial were held. The family would like to thank the UW Carbone Cancer Center and UW Hospital and Clinics for their kind professional care over the years. Memorials can be made to the UW Carbone Cancer Center in his memory. George lived life to the fullest and would want to be remembered for his PMA – Positive Mental Attitude!!! Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Rd. (608)442-5002