George Wallace Joas, 89, of Chippewa Falls, passed away Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, at Wissota Springs.

George was born to Etha May (Chapin) and Conrad Joas on Sept. 19, 1919, in Chippewa Falls. He spent his childhood through high school in Chippewa falls. Upon graduation, he moved to Menomonie to attend Stout. After college, he moved to Madison where he worked for the Gisholt Machine Tool Co. until he served our country during World War II in the 28th Infantry Division in France and Germany.

During a leave, he married Merilynn Ruemmele in 1945.  After the war, he partnered with his brother-in-law, Norman Duel, in the Duel and Joas Hardware Store, which lead him into being the owner and operator of Joas Surge that sold and serviced milking equipment.

George was a life long member of St Charles Catholic church. His hobbies included traveling, wood carving, and gardening, especially bonsai trees. He enjoyed being with his many friends square dancing, playing cards, and meeting for coffee. He will remain in our thoughts forever for his sweet gentle personality and kindness to others.

He is survived by: his three sons, Steve (Jan), John (Sandy) and Jim (Kathy) Joas; grandchildren, Gina (Patrick) Schneider, Jeff, Chad, Bryan (Shauna) and Greg (Mindy);  great-grandchildren, Aleasha, Tyler, Emilee, Gretchen, Harry, Griffin and Elyse; his brother Gerald (Sue); special friend and companion Virginia Griefe; cousin Joseph; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by: his parents; loving wife Merilynn in 1988; sisters, Catherine (Norm) Duel and Mary (Pat) O?Connell; brother Kenneth (Rose); infant brother Leonard; and cousins, Tom and Francis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at St. Charles Catholic Church, Chippewa Falls, with Father William Felix officiating. 

Friends may call two hours prior to the service at church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.