George F. Garnett, a native of Eau Claire, died June 19, 2015, in Little Rock, Ark., where he had been in hospice. He was born March 2, 1921, in Eau Claire to Fred A. and Cora E. (Derouin) Garnett. He attended St. Patrick's Grade School, graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1938, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul in 1942. Upon graduation, George entered the Navy. He received officer's training at Midshipman's School at Columbia University, New York. He served in the Pacific on the troop transport ship U.S.S. Custer, from which he commanded an LCP (Landing Craft Personnel) and took part in landings on Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Saipan, Guam, Leyte, Luzon and Okinawa. After the war he returned to Eau Claire and married Mary Jane McInnis in St. Patrick's Church on October 5, 1946. They were married for 67 years until her death in 2014. George worked for Armour for 37 years, retiring in 1984 as quality control manager. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Anne Garnett (Randal Hunhoff) of Little Rock. "Freddie," as he was called by those close to him, will be remembered as a loving father to Mary Anne and devoted husband to his beloved "Janie." George spent many happy days at Lake Hallie Golf Club, where he was a longtime member and achieved three holes-in-one. He later enjoyed playing Wii golf after being introduced to it by his new friend Jenn Chapman. He was an honorary member (3rd degree) of Knights of Columbus, John F. Kennedy Council 1257 (Eau Claire) for more than 68 years; member of American Legion Post 53 (Eau Claire); and served on the Calvary Catholic Cemetery founding committee. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 322 Fulton St. in Eau Claire, with Father George Thayilkuzhithottu officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11 am, prior to the Mass, Tuesday, at the church. Inurnment will in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the charity of the donor's choice.

Service Information

Cemetery

Lakeview Cemetery 1500 Buffington Drive Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Tuesday, August 18 2015 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Patrick's Catholic Church 322 Fulton Street Eau Claire WI 54703

Memorial Mass

Tuesday, August 18 2015 11:00 AM

St. Patrick's Catholic Church 322 Fulton Street Eau Claire WI 54703