George Terence Wales' Obituary
Big Rapids - George Terence Wales, 84, of Big Rapids, passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at The Brook of Big Rapids.
He was born July 6, 1939, in Traverse City, the son of George and Marguerite (Yates) Wales, and graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1957. George then earned his Associates Degree from Northwestern Michigan College in 1959. On June 25, 1960, he married Alice Marie Wheeler in the Central Methodist Church in Traverse City.
George went on to earn his BS Degree from Michigan State University in 1961. For two years, he taught at Mesick Consolidated Schools, and then Traverse City Central High School. In 1967, he received his Masters of Arts Degree from Wayne State University, and then taught as an original faculty member at Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights for one year.
George and Alice moved to Big Rapids in 1968 when he accepted a teaching position at Ferris State College. He was a favorite professor for the many students that he taught, and he retired in 2002 as the Acting Department Head for Mathematics. George was also the faculty liaison for the remodeling of the Arts and Sciences Building.
He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids. George was also a licensed residential builder, and following his retirement he volunteered many hours for Habitat for Humanity. A sports fan, George was also an avid supporter of FSU Hockey, and Tuba Bach as well. He also loved collecting tools.
George is survived by his wife Alice; two daughters, Valerie (Ken) Wales-Beatty of Grand Ledge and Judy (Alec Wondolkowski) Wales of Cedar Springs; two grandsons, Joseph Beatty and Matthew (Kelsey) Beatty, both of Grand Ledge; his brothers Terin (Marj) Wales of Harrison and Brian (Sherrie) Wales of Houghton Lake; his sister-in-law Joan Wheeler of AZ; his brother-in-law Bill (Joan) Wheeler of NJ; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law Roy Wheeler, Sr.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 17, 2023, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Jeremy Wicks officiating. George's family will greet friends beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in his name may be made for the Alice and George Wales Hockey Scholarship at FSU, Tuba Bach, or a charity of choice. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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