George V. Clokey, age 72, passed away on March 6, 2025 at Oak Park Place. He was born on November 28, 1952 in Pittsburgh, the son of Mildred (Fitzurka) and George V. Clokey, Sr. He grew up on a small farm in Dorseyville, PA with his sister Susan. His mother died unexpectedly when he was in his teens and the family then moved to Baltimore. He attended high school at St Paul’s where he excelled in lacrosse and football. He spent his undergraduate years at the
University of Wisconsin – Madison, studying zoology, limnology and geology, obtaining his BS in 1981. He met his first wife, Jane, there while working at the Brathaus. Following his graduation, the couple returned to Pittsburgh where George completed his PhD in molecular biology at Pitt. In 1992, George accepted a teaching position at UW-Whitewater, a post he held and enjoyed for many years. He was the recipient of numerous awards for teaching excellence and was beloved by his many students. He took enormous pleasure and satisfaction in leading an annual field course in natural history at Yellowstone National Park. George’s enthusiasm for teaching about the natural world was unparalleled. He will be remembered by many for his impassioned discourses on geology. He will be sorely missed.
George is survived by his beloved sons, Alex Clokey of Seattle, Washington, Andrew Clokey of Issaquah, Washington; his sister Susan Clokey of Sarasota, Florida; his ex-wife Jane Fowler of Anderson Island, Washington, as well as many, many loving friends.
At George’s request there will be no funeral service. A memorial wake will be held at a future date. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL DIRECTORS is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com
The family wishes to thank the staff of Oak Park Place – Janesville for their truly outstanding care of George during his illness. Special thanks go to the staff of Agrace hospice for their compassionate care in George’s last weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a scholarship set up in his name by his former student Katie Hausmann. (Select “George Clokey Memorial Scholarship” from the drop down.)
