Dr. George Michael "Doc" Armstrong, Ph.D.

FOND DU LAC / MONROE - Dr. George Michael “Doc” Armstrong, Ph.D., age 85, of Fond du Lac, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at St. Clare Friedensheim Assisted Living in Monroe, Wis. He was born on Dec. 5, 1938, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wis. He was the son of John and Grace (Botham) Armstrong and was one of nine children.

George grew up in Madison and attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School from kindergarten through 8th grade. He then attended Edgewood High School where he loved playing basketball (earning the nickname “String Bean”), football, and baseball. He was also a speed skater in his high school years. He then attended UW-Madison, where, in addition to his studies, he worked in the green houses at the university. Soon after graduating, he attended Iowa University where he received his Master’s Degree in Science. He earned a full scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, where he obtained his Ph.D., while he started his family, with the mother of his children, Lorna.

George then moved his family to Fond du Lac, where he became the first professor hired at the newly built UW campus. After 35+ years as a Professor of Sciences at UW Fond du Lac, he “retired,” but continued educating students at the St. Mary’s Springs Academy in Fond du Lac and MATC in Milwaukee. He touched hundreds of lives through his teaching years and was beloved by all of his students. He had such a passion for sharing his never-ending knowledge on many subjects. His legacy will live on in the many students he educated. He loved running into them in his daily life, often remembering their names and the classes they took with him decades ago.

George shared his passion for football, baseball, basketball, and tennis with countless kids, including his own, through coaching. He also performed in many Community Theater productions and loved the outdoors - spending many summers camping and working in his garden.

On Aug. 13, 2005, George married his best friend and rock, Linda (Brandt) Armstrong. At their first meeting, they talked for hours - until the restaurant had to kick them out. Above all, George was a family man. He treasured all of the moments spent with his beloved wife, children, grandchildren and canine companions. He and Linda shared an unmatched love and he was the best father. He was reminded, often, how much he meant to those closest to him, so he knew the love he had given was coming right back to him. He will be remembered for his unconditional love, his continual strength of spirit and unending generosity. George’s departure from this earth will leave a deep wound for the many who loved him.

George is survived by his wife of 18 years, Linda Armstrong; mother of his children, Lorna Armstrong; sons, Mike (Kathy) Armstrong and Phil Armstrong; daughters, Lori Armstrong, Heidi (Matt) Dorner and Mandy (Jason) Kundert; daughter-in-law, Shelley Armstrong; grandchildren, Bobby Armstrong, Amanda Smith, Hayden Smith, Lauren Armstrong, Nalani Kundert, Jackson Kundert, Ryann (Andy) Clagg, Jason (Beth) Wegner and Andrew Herian; great-grandchildren, Molly Herian, Chase Clagg, Josh Wegner and Owen Herian; and sister, Kay Dunn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Sally Armstrong, Virginia Ruchti and Cookie Armstrong; brothers, Jack Armstrong, Jerry Armstrong, Tommy Armstrong and Paul Armstrong; son-in-law, Michael Smith; son, Josh Baker; and grandson, Michael Herian.

Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. with a time of sharing at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024.
 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Springs Academy “in Memory of Doc Armstrong” (255 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI 54937) to help students in need of tuition assistance. Special thanks to George’s caregivers at St. Claire Friedensheim Assisted Living. He loved each of you and was so happy there. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761