George B. Grim

George Butler Grim, 95, of Washington, IL died at 2:01 pm Thursday, February 24, 2010 at his residence. Born on April 1, 1915 in Reading, PA to William George and Marjorie Catherine Butler Grim, he married Ruth Eleanor Jewitt on November 17, 1945 in Peoria, IL. She preceded him in death on March 20, 1993. Surviving are 2 daughters; Janice (Keith) Mishler and Joanne (Roger) Lawless, both of Washington, IL, 4 grandchildren; Connie (Jeff) Henderson, Kim (Troy) Reed, Scott Lawless, and Kelley Lawless, and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Donald L. Grim and 2 brothers. George graduated from the University of Illinois in 1940 after completing a 4-year apprenticeship in a machine shop and taking night classes at a polytechnic institute in Pennsylvania. He worked at Caterpillar Tractor Co. for 40 years as a Staff Engineer in the Research Department, retiring in 1977. He obtained several patents while working at Caterpillar. He also was a charter member of the Methodist Medical Center volunteers in Peoria, and enjoyed volunteering for many years. George was a member of the SME (Society of Mechanical Engineers) and the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He served on the Central Illinois Agency on Aging, where he was a board member for a number of years. George and Eleanor where two of the founding members of the Washington Senior Center, where he also served on the board of directors. George was an active member of the Rotary Club of Washington for more than 30 years. He was also instrumental in the inception of the Washington Recreation Association. He actively supported the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. Education was a passion of Georges’, as he truly believed that education was a pathway to brighter opportunities for any student willing to work hard to succeed. He supported this passion by funding various scholarships at Illinois Central College, Bradley University, and the University of Illinois. George had the opportunity to travel frequently, including 10 trips to Europe, and also Hungary, Greece, Turkey, North Africa, and Brazil. He also traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada, including 4 trips to Hawaii and 2 to Alaska. He was an active member of the Washington Presbyterian Church, where he served in various positions, including deacon and treasurer. A memorial service for George will be at 2 pm Sunday, February 27, 2011 at his church. Rev. Rebecca Weltmann will officiate. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Cremation rites have been accorded.

George B. Grim

April 1, 1915 - February 23, 2011