George Mikalauskas

MIKALAUSKAS, GEORGE A., 95yo, passed away suddenly at Hospice after a brief illness. He was born in Dayton, OH, to Lithuanian parents Alena Kisielis and Ignatius Mikalauskas on August 22, 1929, the 10th of 11 children. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Frances Mikalauskas, children MaryAgnes, George II (Marian & daughter Regina), and Elena (Joe Mantz), and sister Constance Zilinkas, brother-in-law & sister-in-law Charlie & Nelda Machutas, 7 Godchildren, and a multitude of family and dear friends.

George proudly graduated from Our Lady of the Rosary school, attended McKinley trade school, and was a WWII veteran serving in 82nd Airborne paratroopers. George was a journeyman Machine Tool Repairman retiring from GM Delco Moraine.

George met his devoted wife Frances thru the Knights of Lithuania's bowling convention in Cleveland, OH. Six months later they were engaged then married in 1959 at St. George's Lithuanian RC Church. They made their home in Dayton, owning the same house for 65 years, where they raised their family at both Our Lady of Mercy parish and Holy Cross church.

You couldn't talk to George without discussing his Lithuanian heritage, ethnic traditions, customs and Lithuanian practices. He and Frances loved polka dancing. He was known as the Euchrenator, ready and able to beat any team in the card game of Euchre. George was a self-taught woodworker. He excelled in making religious works. He made the smallest wooden Christmas ornaments to 18' tall shrines still standing in NJ, NY, OH, and PA. George had several large shows including the 1996 Cityfolk exhibit and the 2006 University of Dayton Marianist Library display. He would proudly share the story of placing a cross he made at Lithuania's Hill of Crosses, when he visited with his family in 2000. After retirement, George would attend local church bazaars with his wife. He loved talking to all the people and would say, "I'm the woodcarver."

George participated in all things Lithuanian at Dayton's Holy Cross Lithuanian RC Church, where he was a life-time member. He was always on some committee. George was a lay minister for many years, and religiously attended masses. George was a member of St. Peter's Society, Lithuanian Social Club, a 4th degree Knights of Lithuania member, and a Lithuanian Angler. He loved fishing and introduced the fine art to his family at the Lithuanian Anglers cottage at St. Mary's Lake and also had a boat at Lake Lakengren, where he and Frances often fished.

George was a lifetime member of the Milton Athletic Club, Am Vets #24, and most recently joined the American Legion, #598.

Visitation will be held at Westbrock Funeral Home, 1712 Wayne Ave. Dayton OH 45410 on Friday, December 6, 2024,from 4-8pm, Knights of Lithuania rosary 8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10am at Holy Cross Lithuanian RC Church, 1924 Leo St., Dayton, OH, 45404, with Father Johann Roten. Burial at Calvary Cemetery immediately following.

Donations may be made to Holy Cross Lithuanian RC Church, c/o St. Peter's, 6161 Chambersburg Rd., Dayton, OH 45424.