Erceg, George John

George John Erceg, 86, died Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012, at St. Luke's Living Center West from a brief illness. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 29, at St. Ludmila's Catholic Church, with burial to follow in St. John's Cemetery, where full military rites will be conducted. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW.

George was born Sept. 11, 1926, in Cedar Rapids, the son of John and Stana (Ivicevich) Erceg. He served in the United States Army during World War II. George was united in marriage to Pauline G. Panosh on Aug. 4, 1947, in Little Turkey. George worked for Hamms Beer for over 25 years, Coors Beers for 10 years, and owned Erceg's Blue Dot Tavern and the Tasty Freeze, both on 16th Avenue. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 909, VFW, American Legion and St. Ludmila's Catholic Church. George was proud of his Croatian heritage and was instrumental in its integration to the Cedar Rapids area. He enjoyed watching the Cubs, Hawkeyes, bowling, and spending time with his family.

George is survived by his children, Carol (Lenny) Steiner of Cedar Rapids and Tim (Donna) Erceg of Clive; grandchildren, Dr. Zac Steiner, Eric (Monique) Steiner, Brooke Erceg (Ryan Creery) and Lindsey (Rick) Porter; great-grandchildren, Sophie and Maverick Steiner; and a sister-in-law, Vi Swehla of Cedar Rapids.

George was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Pauline, who died Oct. 17, 2011; two brothers. John Erceg and Joe Erceg; and brothers-in-law. Clarence (Lena) Panosh and Joe Swehla.

Memorials may be directed to St. Ludmila's Catholic Church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses, aides and staff at Living Center West for their love and care for dad and mom over the past four years.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com

Published Oct. 28, 2012 in The Gazette