George Choles

MADISON - George successfully achieved a life goal of turning 100 years young, just one day before ascending to heaven to reside with his Lord and Savior on October 4, 2024, at 10:03 p.m. This is truly a prime example that when George set his mind to something, you could be sure that he would see it through.

George was born on October 3, 1924, in Madison, Wis., and grew up with his parents, Fost and Jenny Choles, and two brothers in their home on Spaight Street. He attended Central High School, where he found his love for sports and developed lasting friendships with his multicultural buddies from the Bush.

After graduating high school, he was drafted into service in 1943. At his induction in Illinois, the drafting officer was alternating between stamping each recruit’s record with their assignment of U.S. Army, Air Corps, Navy, or Marines. When George stepped to the front of the line, the officer stamped his record “Navy.” Without missing a beat, George proclaimed, “I’m sorry, I’m not going to go into the Navy.” The incredulous officer inquired, “What do you mean- you won’t go?” To which George asserted, “My father was in the Army in World War I, my brother is in the Army Airborne, and I want to be in the Army.” The officer left for a time, before returning to re-stamp George “Army.” Clearly, no one could make George do anything that was not his plan. He always fought for what he felt was right, one of the many characteristics that made him so remarkable. During his three years of service, he rose through the ranks from Private to Staff Sergeant as part of the Headquarters Company, 66th Signal Battalion, the 11th Corps, attached to General Patton’s 3rd Army, serving in both the European and Pacific Theaters. His service to our country remained one of his proudest accomplishments.

After the War, George returned home to attend UW-Madison, where he joined the UW-Boxing team. A short time later, he set his mind to starting a flower business with his brothers. In 1954, he began courting the love of his life, Nia. For months, he continuously trekked back and forth from Madison to Minneapolis (six hours each way) to woo her. When asked by his granddaughter if it was love from the start, George confidently replied, “Oh yes, she’s gorgeous and smart as hell!” They married on August 28, 1955, and raised four children, Fost, Conn, Denise and Nick.

In addition to being a phenomenal husband, father, and Papou (grandfather), George was a mentor to many of his sons’ friends as well as the young boys he coached in baseball. Over the years, many of those boys returned to visit George in their adult lives to express just how positively influential George was in leading them to become honorable and accomplished men. George was a monumental member of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church for the entirety of his life. He was a founder, president, and active board member for over 25 years.

George was a master floral designer, and in 1984, he and Nia opened George’s Flowers with the help of their children, Denise and Conn, who now run the family business. While ownership of the business transitioned to their children in more recent years, retirement was never a word in George’s vocabulary. He maintained a five-day work week, processing flowers with his children and grandchildren in the place he built and loved. His love extended to both current and past George’s Flowers family, as his legendary example of authenticity and kindness was a living inspiration to all that encountered him. He was never too busy to share a moment and a smile with customers and friends. Upon entering hospice at the Veterans Hospital in August, George adapted to work remotely. In fact, he processed his last bucket of daisy pomps on October 1, 2024, just two days before his 100th birthday. There truly is no one else quite like George.

George is survived by his wife, Nia; his children, Fost (Colleen) Choles, Conn (Diana) Choles, Denise (Robert) Schultz, and Nick (Darylnn) Choles; his grandchildren, Alexa, Christopher, Kalli, Sophia, Loran, Ian, Anna, and Jack; extended grandchildren, Lindsey and Garrett; extended great-grandchildren, Jocelyn and Logan; and his AGOC family and countless friends. We are all so blessed to have shared our lives with George. May his memory be eternal.

We would like to thank the staff at the VA Hospital for their outstanding love, care, and support.

A funeral service will be held at ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 11 N. Seventh St., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 11, 2024, with Father Christodoulos Margellos presiding. A reception will immediately follow.  Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Burial with military honors will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be gifted in George's name to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420