George William Vlcek, 90, passed away peacefully at home on the farm near Sand Creek, Wisconsin on July 6th, 2026, surrounded by loving family.

George was born May 21, 1936, in Eau Claire, the fourth child of Wesley and Katherine Vlcek. George attended high school in Eau Claire, graduating in 1954. Following high school, George enlisted in the United States Navy at the end of the Korean War, serving honorably from 1955 to1959 as a Machinist’s Mate Second Class. Following an eye injury that left him blind in one eye, he received an honorable discharge. On October 20, 1962, George married the love of his life, Delores Stratton. In 1966, they purchased their farm near Sand Creek, where they built their life and raised their six children.

His faith in Christ was the foundation of George’s life, and church community was important to him. As a family, they attended Eden Church near Weyerhaeuser from 1975 to 1995. From January 1981 to August 1984, the family temporarily relocated to Zion Harbor, a family Bible camp on Leech Lake in Minnesota. There, George headed the work crew and ministered to countless individuals and families who came through the camp. George especially loved taking visitors out fishing in the early morning hours. Since 1995, George and Delores were faithful members of Towering Pines Church in Cameron.

George was widely known for his hard work and his generosity. Even after retiring from running his own farm, he kept busy doing chores, cement work, and helping neighbors with various jobs. Many in the community were grateful recipients of fresh eggs from his chickens or produce from his multi-acre garden. George enjoyed hunting in the woods with family and friends. He took pride in passing down his love and respect for hunting to his children and grandchildren. George was a great storyteller who loved recounting his hunting adventures and sharing tales of his Navy days as well as from his youth. The twinkle in his eye always gave away when he was teasing. Above all, George cherished his family; his grandchildren never failed to bring a smile to his face whenever they came to visit. Shared coffee times will be missed!

George is survived by his six children and their spouses: Kim and David Caldwell, Harold and Diane Vlcek, Brian and Deb Vlcek, Bill and Karen Vlcek, Amy and John Langer, Nathan and Amy Vlcek. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren: Katherine, Anthony, Jack, Rachel, Scott, Moriah, Briahna, Isaiah, Elijah, Noah, Georgia, Joseph, Esther, Isaac, Anna, Naomi, Whitney, and Hunter; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Jack (Kathy) Vlcek; and a large circle of extended family and friends.

Waiting in Heaven to welcome George home is his beloved wife, Delores; his parents, Wesley and Katherine; two sisters, Nancy (Palmer) Tollefson and Dorothy Vlcek; his brother, Wes, and several other family members and friends.

A celebration of George’s life will be held Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Sand Creek Arts Center (formerly the Sand Creek School), E9311 Co Rd I, Sand Creek, WI. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM. Afterward, all are welcome to stay for food and fellowship to share memories and honor George’s life.

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Chetek has been entrusted with arrangements.