George Martin Fugina, of Eau Claire, WI passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, just 5 days shy of his 78th birthday.

George was born on a cold winter day on January 20, 1948 to Omer and Elsie (Reinke) Fugina in Arcadia, WI.  He was the middle child between Jerome and Lois.  He received the holy sacraments at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church in Arcadia.

George was a good son to his parents, helping in many, many ways.  He painted the house, washed and put up storm windows, spaded the garden and even washed clothes in Mom's old Maytag.  He loved Mom's pork roast with kraut.  He never ever forgot to bring her flowers.  He loved to wash and drive the red 1960 Chevrolet Impala.

George graduated in 1966 and came to Eau Claire for work.  He was the custodian and did maintenance at St. James' Parish for over 30 years.  His responsibilities included the care of the church, school and rectory.  He did snow removal, lawn care and planted beautiful flower beds.  He prepared the church for the Christmas season, lovingly placing the Nativity figures in the stable.  By doing this, I know he felt close to the Christ Child.

After retirement, George continued to work part time including a lot of painting.  Then George started canning!  He had shelves of pickles, beets, tomato juice, kraut and many different jellies.  It gave him great pleasure to give his can goods to family and friends.  Even in his later years, he planted heirloom tomatoes, peppers, kohlrabies along with beautiful flowers in his backyard garden.

George enjoyed sharing breakfast and coffee with the "guys".  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus JFK Council #1257 of Eau Claire and seldom missed a meeting or dinner.  He was a true Catholic and enjoyed listening to Mass on TV in recent years.  He will be remembered as a kind hearted generous man.  He always showed up for the people he cared about.

George is survived by his brother, Jerome (Donna) Fugina of Texas, sister, Lois Koziol of Chippewa Falls.  He is also survived by his nephews: Christopher (Bobbi) Koziol, David Fugina, great-niece Katelynn and great-nephew Jefferson.

The family wishes to thank the volunteers who brought Holy Communion to George and also thank Meals on Wheels.  Also, sincere appreciation for the care he received at Mayo Clinic Health System.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Knights of Columbus, JFK Council #1257 of Eau Claire, Feed my People Food Bank of Eau Claire, or the Charity of your choosing.  A tree may be planted in George's memory as well should you choose.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Eau Claire.  Visitation will be held at the Church on Tuesday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.  Burial will take place at a later date in Calvary Cemetery in Arcadia, WI.

A day . . . an hour . . .                                                  "Eye hath not seen,

And we shall have reached                                          Nor ear heard

The port!  My God, what                                              Neither hath it entered

Shall we, see then?                                                     into the heart of man

What is that life which                                                 what great things God

Will never have an end?                                             Hath prepared for them

Jesus will be the Soul                                                 That love Him."

Of our soul.                                                                      (1 Cor. 2:9)

Unfathomable Mystery!