George Donald Acton came into this world at 7:50 AM on May 11, 1927, at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital. He was the third of what will be five children born to Russell and Bertha Clara Acton nee Lange. George was Baptized at St. John's Lutheran Church with
neighbors and long-time family friends Fred and Martha Birr as sponsors.
He spent his early years on 340 West Harding Road in Lombard. George joined his siblings and others including Marjorie Smith nee Birr crossing the farm fields daily on their way to St. John's Lutheran Church and School.
George continued his academic and religious education at St. John's. He received his Confirmation on April 6, 1941, along with ten others by Pastor O.A. Growth. He graduated from St. John's Lutheran School on June 13, 1941, along with thirteen classmates. George gave the formal Welcome at the Ceremony and played the part of Dr. Quick, in the play, The Doctor's First Day which was included in the evening's program.
He attended High School at Glenbard Township High School, graduating on May 25, 1945. Records indicate that George enlisted in the Army Air Force on September 1, 1944, when he was 17 years old, before his high school graduation. His path in life, like countless other lives, changed dramatically after the attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Private George Acton entered active service on July 12, 1945, just two months after his High School Graduation. He was Honorably Discharged on January 24, 1946, only to enter active service in the regular Army the next day, January 25, 1946. Soon he would be on a ship to Okinawa where he served eight months, earning various Decorations and Citations including the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, and Victory Medal World War II. After his service in Okinawa, George was Honorably Discharged on Dec 11, 1946, only to immediately begin his service in the Army Air Force Reserves. Corporal Acton Honorably left the reserves after three years.
As his military service ended, George and Carol choose to get married. The newspaper announcement read: Mr. and Mrs. Earl F. Stubbe of Villa Park announce the engagement of their daughter Carol to George Acton, son of village trustee and Mrs. Russell Acton of 340 West Harding. George is now employed by his father, a general contractor, while Carol, a York High School Graduate, is a collector for the Internal Revenue Service in Chicago. They were married at 7:30 in the evening on February 14, 1948 (Valentine's Day), at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lombard, IL.
Their marriage was blessed with three children. Russell George was born on October 25, 1949. He married Gail (nee Cohn) in 1979. Gail died in 2009. Russ suddenly passed almost a year ago on June 30, 2021. Donald Earl was born on July 10, 1952. He died tragically on May 26, 1979. Andrew Alan was born on September 17, 1958, and now makes his home in St. George, Utah. George's wife Carol died on April 6, 1994, in Salt Lake City of Astrocytoma Brain Cancer. She is buried near Donald at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery in Oak Brook Terrace, IL.
The family moved from Illinois to Utah in the 1970's. After retirement, George moved to Hemet, CA where he enjoyed several years living near his brother, Vernon "Bud" and his wife Betty, and dear friend Dori.
Describing George's work history is a little like building a 1,000-piece puzzle with one-third of the pieces missing. As a gifted carpenter and estimator, he was always in demand. Enjoying travel, he has been described as a nomad, living out of his truck, and building and remodeling Post Offices, banks, even installing runway lights at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Both Russ and Andrew were blessed with opportunities to join their dad on several jobs.
George was rightly proud of his work with Kiewit and Gilbert Western. He was a highly respected estimator for road as well as building construction. Working past typical retirement age, George received a Plaque we have on display for 14 years of service when he was 67 years old. Russell also had a successful career with Kiewit, traveling much of the country like his father. It was a good team, Dad would calculate the cost of the job, Russ would repair the equipment that did the job. George always supported and cheered on Andy with his love of cars, trucks, and racing.
George also volunteered to help with new church construction in Cedar City and St. George. He left us many pictures of his volunteer work at Camp Lutherwood in 1996 just up the road. The camp is celebrating 40 years in 2022 and is a favorite site for many campers.
Just recently George received his 70th Carpenter Pin. Each pin designates one year of work as a union carpenter, something George humbly acknowledged. It is a small select fraternity of carpenters with a 70th year pin.
Toward the end of his life, George moved from Hemet, CA, to Phoenix, AZ, to live with his son Russell and his wife Sue. After Russ' unexpected death last summer, Sue graciously continued to support George both at home and in assisted living.
No narrative of George's life would be complete without a mention of his unshakable devotion to the Acton Family Homestead near Buffalo, South Dakota. He recognized the pioneering spirit of his ancestors. Through his unselfish quest, the property is legally protected and will remain in his family for generations to come.
George is preceded in death by his father, Russell, mother Bertha (Lange), brother Vernon, sister Frances, brother Raymond, brother Robert, wife Carol, friend Dori, son Donald and son Russell. He is survived by his son Andrew, several cousins, and many nieces and nephews.
George continued steadfast in his faith throughout his life, maintaining church membership, serving as various church officers, and supporting many charitable causes including the start of mission congregations in Utah.
A memorial service was held on May 14, 2022, in St. George. George, Russ, and Gail will all join Donald and his mother later this fall. A committal service is planned for 11 AM on September 9, 2022, at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery in Oak Brook Terrace IL. These will be led by George's nephew, the Rev. Dr. Thomas R Acton.
"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Revelation 2:10 (KJV)
(George's Memory Verse on Confirmation Day, April 6, 1941)
neighbors and long-time family friends Fred and Martha Birr as sponsors.
He spent his early years on 340 West Harding Road in Lombard. George joined his siblings and others including Marjorie Smith nee Birr crossing the farm fields daily on their way to St. John's Lutheran Church and School.
George continued his academic and religious education at St. John's. He received his Confirmation on April 6, 1941, along with ten others by Pastor O.A. Growth. He graduated from St. John's Lutheran School on June 13, 1941, along with thirteen classmates. George gave the formal Welcome at the Ceremony and played the part of Dr. Quick, in the play, The Doctor's First Day which was included in the evening's program.
He attended High School at Glenbard Township High School, graduating on May 25, 1945. Records indicate that George enlisted in the Army Air Force on September 1, 1944, when he was 17 years old, before his high school graduation. His path in life, like countless other lives, changed dramatically after the attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Private George Acton entered active service on July 12, 1945, just two months after his High School Graduation. He was Honorably Discharged on January 24, 1946, only to enter active service in the regular Army the next day, January 25, 1946. Soon he would be on a ship to Okinawa where he served eight months, earning various Decorations and Citations including the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, and Victory Medal World War II. After his service in Okinawa, George was Honorably Discharged on Dec 11, 1946, only to immediately begin his service in the Army Air Force Reserves. Corporal Acton Honorably left the reserves after three years.
As his military service ended, George and Carol choose to get married. The newspaper announcement read: Mr. and Mrs. Earl F. Stubbe of Villa Park announce the engagement of their daughter Carol to George Acton, son of village trustee and Mrs. Russell Acton of 340 West Harding. George is now employed by his father, a general contractor, while Carol, a York High School Graduate, is a collector for the Internal Revenue Service in Chicago. They were married at 7:30 in the evening on February 14, 1948 (Valentine's Day), at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lombard, IL.
Their marriage was blessed with three children. Russell George was born on October 25, 1949. He married Gail (nee Cohn) in 1979. Gail died in 2009. Russ suddenly passed almost a year ago on June 30, 2021. Donald Earl was born on July 10, 1952. He died tragically on May 26, 1979. Andrew Alan was born on September 17, 1958, and now makes his home in St. George, Utah. George's wife Carol died on April 6, 1994, in Salt Lake City of Astrocytoma Brain Cancer. She is buried near Donald at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery in Oak Brook Terrace, IL.
The family moved from Illinois to Utah in the 1970's. After retirement, George moved to Hemet, CA where he enjoyed several years living near his brother, Vernon "Bud" and his wife Betty, and dear friend Dori.
Describing George's work history is a little like building a 1,000-piece puzzle with one-third of the pieces missing. As a gifted carpenter and estimator, he was always in demand. Enjoying travel, he has been described as a nomad, living out of his truck, and building and remodeling Post Offices, banks, even installing runway lights at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Both Russ and Andrew were blessed with opportunities to join their dad on several jobs.
George was rightly proud of his work with Kiewit and Gilbert Western. He was a highly respected estimator for road as well as building construction. Working past typical retirement age, George received a Plaque we have on display for 14 years of service when he was 67 years old. Russell also had a successful career with Kiewit, traveling much of the country like his father. It was a good team, Dad would calculate the cost of the job, Russ would repair the equipment that did the job. George always supported and cheered on Andy with his love of cars, trucks, and racing.
George also volunteered to help with new church construction in Cedar City and St. George. He left us many pictures of his volunteer work at Camp Lutherwood in 1996 just up the road. The camp is celebrating 40 years in 2022 and is a favorite site for many campers.
Just recently George received his 70th Carpenter Pin. Each pin designates one year of work as a union carpenter, something George humbly acknowledged. It is a small select fraternity of carpenters with a 70th year pin.
Toward the end of his life, George moved from Hemet, CA, to Phoenix, AZ, to live with his son Russell and his wife Sue. After Russ' unexpected death last summer, Sue graciously continued to support George both at home and in assisted living.
No narrative of George's life would be complete without a mention of his unshakable devotion to the Acton Family Homestead near Buffalo, South Dakota. He recognized the pioneering spirit of his ancestors. Through his unselfish quest, the property is legally protected and will remain in his family for generations to come.
George is preceded in death by his father, Russell, mother Bertha (Lange), brother Vernon, sister Frances, brother Raymond, brother Robert, wife Carol, friend Dori, son Donald and son Russell. He is survived by his son Andrew, several cousins, and many nieces and nephews.
George continued steadfast in his faith throughout his life, maintaining church membership, serving as various church officers, and supporting many charitable causes including the start of mission congregations in Utah.
A memorial service was held on May 14, 2022, in St. George. George, Russ, and Gail will all join Donald and his mother later this fall. A committal service is planned for 11 AM on September 9, 2022, at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery in Oak Brook Terrace IL. These will be led by George's nephew, the Rev. Dr. Thomas R Acton.
"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Revelation 2:10 (KJV)
(George's Memory Verse on Confirmation Day, April 6, 1941)
George Donald Acton came into this world at 7:50 AM on May 11, 1927, at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital. He was the third of what will be five children born to Russell and Bertha Clara Acton nee Lange. George was Baptized at St. John's Lutheran Church with
neighbors and long-time family friends Fred and Martha Birr as sponsors.
He spent his early years on 340 West Harding Road in Lombard. George joined his siblings and others including Marjorie Smith nee Birr crossing the farm fields daily on their way to St. John's Lutheran Church and School.
George continued his academic and religious education at St. John's. He received his Confirmation on April 6, 1941, along with ten others by Pastor O.A. Growth. He graduated from St. John's Lutheran School on June 13, 1941, along with thirteen classmates. George gave the formal Welcome at the Ceremony and played the part of Dr. Quick, in the play, The Doctor's First Day which was included in the evening's program.
He attended High School at Glenbard Township High School, graduating on May 25, 1945. Records indicate that George enlisted in the Army Air Force on September 1, 1944, when he was 17 years old, before his high school graduation. His path in life, like countless other lives, changed dramatically after the attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Private George Acton entered active service on July 12, 1945, just two months after his High School Graduation. He was Honorably Discharged on January 24, 1946, only to enter active service in the regular Army the next day, January 25, 1946. Soon he would be on a ship to Okinawa where he served eight months, earning various Decorations and Citations including the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, and Victory Medal World War II. After his service in Okinawa, George was Honorably Discharged on Dec 11, 1946, only to immediately begin his service in the Army Air Force Reserves. Corporal Acton Honorably left the reserves after three years.
As his military service ended, George and Carol choose to get married. The newspaper announcement read: Mr. and Mrs. Earl F. Stubbe of Villa Park announce the engagement of their daughter Carol to George Acton, son of village trustee and Mrs. Russell Acton of 340 West Harding. George is now employed by his father, a general contractor, while Carol, a York High School Graduate, is a collector for the Internal Revenue Service in Chicago. They were married at 7:30 in the evening on February 14, 1948 (Valentine's Day), at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lombard, IL.
Their marriage was blessed with three children. Russell George was born on October 25, 1949. He married Gail (nee Cohn) in 1979. Gail died in 2009. Russ suddenly passed almost a year ago on June 30, 2021. Donald Earl was born on July 10, 1952. He died tragically on May 26, 1979. Andrew Alan was born on September 17, 1958, and now makes his home in St. George, Utah. George's wife Carol died on April 6, 1994, in Salt Lake City of Astrocytoma Brain Cancer. She is buried near Donald at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery in Oak Brook Terrace, IL.
The family moved from Illinois to Utah in the 1970's. After retirement, George moved to Hemet, CA where he enjoyed several years living near his brother, Vernon "Bud" and his wife Betty, and dear friend Dori.
Describing George's work history is a little like building a 1,000-piece puzzle with one-third of the pieces missing. As a gifted carpenter and estimator, he was always in demand. Enjoying travel, he has been described as a nomad, living out of his truck, and building and remodeling Post Offices, banks, even installing runway lights at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Both Russ and Andrew were blessed with opportunities to join their dad on several jobs.
George was rightly proud of his work with Kiewit and Gilbert Western. He was a highly respected estimator for road as well as building construction. Working past typical retirement age, George received a Plaque we have on display for 14 years of service when he was 67 years old. Russell also had a successful career with Kiewit, traveling much of the country like his father. It was a good team, Dad would calculate the cost of the job, Russ would repair the equipment that did the job. George always supported and cheered on Andy with his love of cars, trucks, and racing.
George also volunteered to help with new church construction in Cedar City and St. George. He left us many pictures of his volunteer work at Camp Lutherwood in 1996 just up the road. The camp is celebrating 40 years in 2022 and is a favorite site for many campers.
Just recently George received his 70th Carpenter Pin. Each pin designates one year of work as a union carpenter, something George humbly acknowledged. It is a small select fraternity of carpenters with a 70th year pin.
Toward the end of his life, George moved from Hemet, CA, to Phoenix, AZ, to live with his son Russell and his wife Sue. After Russ' unexpected death last summer, Sue graciously continued to support George both at home and in assisted living.
No narrative of George's life would be complete without a mention of his unshakable devotion to the Acton Family Homestead near Buffalo, South Dakota. He recognized the pioneering spirit of his ancestors. Through his unselfish quest, the property is legally protected and will remain in his family for generations to come.
George is preceded in death by his father, Russell, mother Bertha (Lange), brother Vernon, sister Frances, brother Raymond, brother Robert, wife Carol, friend Dori, son Donald and son Russell. He is survived by his son Andrew, several cousins, and many nieces and nephews.
George continued steadfast in his faith throughout his life, maintaining church membership, serving as various church officers, and supporting many charitable causes including the start of mission congregations in Utah.
A memorial service was held on May 14, 2022, in St. George. George, Russ, and Gail will all join Donald and his mother later this fall. A committal service is planned for 11 AM on September 9, 2022, at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery in Oak Brook Terrace IL. These will be led by George's nephew, the Rev. Dr. Thomas R Acton.
"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Revelation 2:10 (KJV)
(George's Memory Verse on Confirmation Day, April 6, 1941)
neighbors and long-time family friends Fred and Martha Birr as sponsors.
He spent his early years on 340 West Harding Road in Lombard. George joined his siblings and others including Marjorie Smith nee Birr crossing the farm fields daily on their way to St. John's Lutheran Church and School.
George continued his academic and religious education at St. John's. He received his Confirmation on April 6, 1941, along with ten others by Pastor O.A. Growth. He graduated from St. John's Lutheran School on June 13, 1941, along with thirteen classmates. George gave the formal Welcome at the Ceremony and played the part of Dr. Quick, in the play, The Doctor's First Day which was included in the evening's program.
He attended High School at Glenbard Township High School, graduating on May 25, 1945. Records indicate that George enlisted in the Army Air Force on September 1, 1944, when he was 17 years old, before his high school graduation. His path in life, like countless other lives, changed dramatically after the attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Private George Acton entered active service on July 12, 1945, just two months after his High School Graduation. He was Honorably Discharged on January 24, 1946, only to enter active service in the regular Army the next day, January 25, 1946. Soon he would be on a ship to Okinawa where he served eight months, earning various Decorations and Citations including the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, and Victory Medal World War II. After his service in Okinawa, George was Honorably Discharged on Dec 11, 1946, only to immediately begin his service in the Army Air Force Reserves. Corporal Acton Honorably left the reserves after three years.
As his military service ended, George and Carol choose to get married. The newspaper announcement read: Mr. and Mrs. Earl F. Stubbe of Villa Park announce the engagement of their daughter Carol to George Acton, son of village trustee and Mrs. Russell Acton of 340 West Harding. George is now employed by his father, a general contractor, while Carol, a York High School Graduate, is a collector for the Internal Revenue Service in Chicago. They were married at 7:30 in the evening on February 14, 1948 (Valentine's Day), at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lombard, IL.
Their marriage was blessed with three children. Russell George was born on October 25, 1949. He married Gail (nee Cohn) in 1979. Gail died in 2009. Russ suddenly passed almost a year ago on June 30, 2021. Donald Earl was born on July 10, 1952. He died tragically on May 26, 1979. Andrew Alan was born on September 17, 1958, and now makes his home in St. George, Utah. George's wife Carol died on April 6, 1994, in Salt Lake City of Astrocytoma Brain Cancer. She is buried near Donald at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery in Oak Brook Terrace, IL.
The family moved from Illinois to Utah in the 1970's. After retirement, George moved to Hemet, CA where he enjoyed several years living near his brother, Vernon "Bud" and his wife Betty, and dear friend Dori.
Describing George's work history is a little like building a 1,000-piece puzzle with one-third of the pieces missing. As a gifted carpenter and estimator, he was always in demand. Enjoying travel, he has been described as a nomad, living out of his truck, and building and remodeling Post Offices, banks, even installing runway lights at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Both Russ and Andrew were blessed with opportunities to join their dad on several jobs.
George was rightly proud of his work with Kiewit and Gilbert Western. He was a highly respected estimator for road as well as building construction. Working past typical retirement age, George received a Plaque we have on display for 14 years of service when he was 67 years old. Russell also had a successful career with Kiewit, traveling much of the country like his father. It was a good team, Dad would calculate the cost of the job, Russ would repair the equipment that did the job. George always supported and cheered on Andy with his love of cars, trucks, and racing.
George also volunteered to help with new church construction in Cedar City and St. George. He left us many pictures of his volunteer work at Camp Lutherwood in 1996 just up the road. The camp is celebrating 40 years in 2022 and is a favorite site for many campers.
Just recently George received his 70th Carpenter Pin. Each pin designates one year of work as a union carpenter, something George humbly acknowledged. It is a small select fraternity of carpenters with a 70th year pin.
Toward the end of his life, George moved from Hemet, CA, to Phoenix, AZ, to live with his son Russell and his wife Sue. After Russ' unexpected death last summer, Sue graciously continued to support George both at home and in assisted living.
No narrative of George's life would be complete without a mention of his unshakable devotion to the Acton Family Homestead near Buffalo, South Dakota. He recognized the pioneering spirit of his ancestors. Through his unselfish quest, the property is legally protected and will remain in his family for generations to come.
George is preceded in death by his father, Russell, mother Bertha (Lange), brother Vernon, sister Frances, brother Raymond, brother Robert, wife Carol, friend Dori, son Donald and son Russell. He is survived by his son Andrew, several cousins, and many nieces and nephews.
George continued steadfast in his faith throughout his life, maintaining church membership, serving as various church officers, and supporting many charitable causes including the start of mission congregations in Utah.
A memorial service was held on May 14, 2022, in St. George. George, Russ, and Gail will all join Donald and his mother later this fall. A committal service is planned for 11 AM on September 9, 2022, at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery in Oak Brook Terrace IL. These will be led by George's nephew, the Rev. Dr. Thomas R Acton.
"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Revelation 2:10 (KJV)
(George's Memory Verse on Confirmation Day, April 6, 1941)
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