George Minton, 87, of Hazleton passed away Tuesday June 28, 2022 at his home, surrounded by his family.  Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 PM on Tuesday July 5, 2022 at the Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home in Oelwein with Masonic services beginning at 7:00 PM.  Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM on Wednesday July 6, 2022 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein with Pastor Josh Schunk officiating.  Interment will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens at Hazleton with Military Honors by the American Legion Post 9 of Oelwein.  A memorial fund has been established. 

George Burdette Minton was born in Oelwein on May 8, 1935 to parents Laurence and Geneva (Mitchell) Minton, whom farmed west of Hazleton.  He began school in Hazleton and at the age of seven the family moved to a farm north of West Union.  He then attended country school and later West Union School.  As an infant he was baptized in the Presbyterian Church in Hazleton.  On May 10, 1959 he was confirmed and became a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein, where he was a member until his passing.  On that very afternoon, George was united in marriage with Margaret Lenz at the church.  Four sons were born to this union: Kevin George, Kirk John, Daryn John and David Lee.

George was a long-time truck driver, driving for many companies in the area.  He had been a 25 year member of the Hazleton Fire Department, a 50 plus year member of the Masons; first at the Waterfall Lodge in Hazleton and then the Hebron Masonic Lodge in Oelwein; and a 50 plus year member of the Order of the Eastern Star.  George was very proud to have served his country honorably in the United States Air Force.

George loved to use his scroll saw and his 12 grandchildren always looked forward to the gifts he made for them at Christmas time.  Among the countless items he created are the decorations which adorn the Christmas trees at Zion Lutheran Church during Advent season.

George is survived by his wife Margaret; his sons: Kevin (Janice) Minton of Hazleton, Daryn (Tracy) Minton of Williford, AR, and David (Diane) Minton of Milo; his 12 grandchildren: Megan (Nate) Oldenburger, Melissa (Todd) Tucker, Kaela (Brent Balk) Minton, Cass (Korissa) Minton, Shawna Ellis, Tom (Kim) Minton, Sam (Pam) Westendorf, Keith (Angel) Minton, Spencer (Kaylene) Westendorf, Stephanie Westendorf, Cameron (Kayden) Minton and Grant Minton; his 21 great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law Jim Conklin of Arkansas; and his sister-in-law Bea Lenz.

He was preceded in death by his son in infancy, Kirk John; his parents; his sister Ivadell Conklin; his sister-in-law Caroline Dohlman; and his brother-in-law John Lenz.