George Rice McNamara Jr., 99 of Nora Springs, Iowa passed away Sunday June 19, 2022 at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home. George was born on September 25, 1922 in Ashland, Wisconsin, the son of George Sr. and Rose (Freitag) McNamara.
The family moved to Iowa where they eventually settled in Nora Springs. He graduated in 1940 from Nora Springs High School with the class of 1940. He played football and baseball while in school.
He was drafted into the United States Army Air Corp after graduation to serve in WW II. While in service he spent time in the CBI Theater (China, Burma, and India) as an airplane mechanic with the rank of Sergeant.
On April 24, 1948, George married Iva (Irene) Strassman of Nora Springs. The couple made their home in Nora Springs where they raised two daughters.
George started his business as an auto mechanic at the Riverside Garage until 1956 when he built his own garage. He enjoyed mechanic work and kept his garage until 1984 when he first retired, after a three year break he started working for Schukei Chevrolet and later Don La Frenz Ford until his second retirement.
George also enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, woodworking and stamp collecting where he was a part of philatelist groups in Texas.
They traveled to Alaska, Spain, Puerto Rico and wintered in Texas for 25 years.
Those left to cherish his memories are his children, lva (Michael) Van Hooser and Doris (Dan) Lugg. Grandchildren: Tracy (David A.) Hamand, Douglas (Krista) Van Hooser, and Brian Lugg. Great grandchildren: David C. (Kaycee) Hamand, Cory Hamand, Colton (Madison) Hamand, and Elizabeth Hamand, Melinda (Zack) Kovarik, Ashley (Jeremy Heller) Van Hooser, and Michael D. Van Hooser Great-great grandchildren: Klinton, and Konnor Hamand, Kingsley Kovarik, Carver and Drew Hamand, and step-grandson Jacob Staudt, and extended family members.
George was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; brother Kenneth and a brother in infancy and both parents.
Family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date with inurnment will be held in Park Cemetery in Nora Springs.
Memorials may be directed to the family at PO Box 192 Nora Springs, lowa 50468.
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