George Vandling, age 70, of Winneconne, formerly of Whitewater, died February 2, 2021 at his home.

George was born in Michigan on December 6, 1950 to Earl George and Carolyn Jean Vandling. The family lived in Villa Park, Illinois, and then moved to Whitewater where George graduated from high school in 1969.

George graduated from Sam Houston State University, and spent most of his life working in sales. He married Helen in 1974 and they had two children, Jessica and Joshua. He later married Heidi Sandner and they were married for 20 years before her death in 2015.

He loved history, and he loved to read. He was smart and witty and would drive his kids crazy in his antics to avoid asking them for anything. He could laugh at himself, and tell a good story, though he was a man of few words. He loved to fish and we find solace that he was able to buy a house on the water in the past few years to spend time doing what he loved.

He is survived by his children, Jessica (Shawn) Shiveler and his son, Joshua (Suzanne) Vandling and his three grandchildren, who hung the moon in his eyes, Molly Jean, and Embry Taylor and Parker Mason. He’s also survived by his sister Debora and brother in law Larry Gnatzig, and his nieces Vanessa and Caroline and their families.

We will plan a time to be together to share stories later this year. We think dad would like that, even though he’d probably say not to bother. Please email vandlingkids@gmail.com if you would like to be invited, or to simply let us know that you knew and remember him.

To honor him, a donation to your local animal shelter or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, two organizations that were important to Heidi, and therefore important to him, are welcome. You could also cheer on the Cubs or Bears in memory of him, he’d like that.