George William Scott

MONONA-George W. Scott of Monona passed away in his sleep of a heart attack on Tuesday, March 20, 2018. He was born in LaCrosse, on Halloween in 1945, to Robert and Mary (Kraemer) Scott. When the family moved to Monona, George attended Immaculate Heart of Mary grade school. While getting a fine spiritual, academic and athletic opportunity, George joined the IHM Boy Scout Troop No. 144 to develop his leadership skills. When he went to Monona Grove High School he continued in Boy Scouts, achieving Eagle Scout. The late Jim Carrier helped George develop his scouting and life skills. At the end of his sophomore year, his father died suddenly and he helped his mother and siblings however he could. This is the time when he started his retail, paint and hardware education while working part-time at various hardware and paint stores. When George graduated from MG, he went on to UW-Platteville and continued to work part-time in hardware on weekends and during the summer. In addition to his college education, he continued to hone his skills in the retail hardware business. Upon graduation, he worked as a Boy Scout District Executive in Northern Illinois promoting, training and running summer camps. He did this for several years until he returned to Madison. Vic Dorn hired George to work at one of his hardware stores and he was eventually promoted to store manager in Oregon, Wis. While George never married, he found a bride, his hardware store. He dedicated his life to the store he managed. As soon as a customer came in, his vast hardware product and customer service expertise kicked in. He listened to what brought the customer in and how he could meet their needs with product solutions. George worked long hours in the store and at home studying new products. After a long Saturday, the busiest day, he treated himself to a great late supper at Fat Jack's BBQ in Monona. The owners, Dan & Mary, and wait staff treated George like a king. Even though he lived in Monona being a caregiver to his mother, George was active in Oregon as a past president of the Chamber of Commerce.  He chaired various festival committees and he knew the vast majority by name. Many people came to him for solutions and answers to their household needs.  When his health lead him to retirement, he worked hard at rehabilitation. He became an active user of the Monona Senior Center improving his computer skills and taking advantage of their many programs and services. He took several bus tours throughout the U.S. with his brother, Bob and his wife, Mary, and friends, Bill and Mary Rustemeyer. George loved reading histories about Monona, Madison and Wisconsin. He enjoyed going tent camping at various Wisconsin State Parks every July for the “Scott Brothers Week”, where he got to use his many scouting skills, as well as grilling, Dutch oven cooking and visiting historical sites. Throughout his life he supported many organizations and was a huge Brewers, Badgers and Packers fan. He enjoyed Concerts on the Square and grilling in the backyard on his charcoal grill, especially Johnsonville brats. He loved his family and his hardware gatherings. His greatest love was being a good Catholic and serving the Lord and his many customers.  George is survived by his brothers, Bob and spouse, Mary (Mihm) Scott, Larry Scott, Joe and his spouse, Connie (Hensen) Scott and Ron and spouse, Darleen (Palfrey) Scott; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Doris Heller; sister-in-law, Kathy (Ballweg) Scott; and nephew, Michael Scott.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, with Father Chad Droessler presiding.  Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, March 26, 2018 with a time of remembrance at 7 p.m., and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church or the Monona Senior Center.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420