George Pappas, 92

George Theodore Pappas, age 92 of Polson, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. George was born Dec. 28, 1931, in Chicago, Il., to Theodore and Helen (Svetsus) Pappas, and lived there with his parents and sister, Xenia, until going to Korea.

George fought in Korea from 1951-54, then returned home to complete a mechanical engineering qualification. He married his wife, Ann Nicklas (1931-1996), and they set up in Arapahoe County, Colo. Two of their three children were born in Colorado before George took a job in southern California with Rockwell International and joined the space race.

George was instrumental in the production of the Saturn V engines that propelled Apollo 11 to the moon in 1969 and continued to work in the aerospace industry for the remainder of his career until retiring in 1989. 

After retiring George and Ann moved to Issaquah, Wash., where they enjoyed life visiting with grandchildren and friends, and hanging out at the local Starbucks. Sadly, his first wife passed away in 1996. She was a wonderful mother and wife.

Few people are lucky enough to ever find the perfect mate; for George this happened twice. While a widower, traveling bachelor and “man-about-town” in Issaquah, George met Ann Rosemary Watson (Cattley). They were married in 2001 and began a loving and caring relationship filled with travel, extended family, fun and countless dogs. In 2018 they moved to Polson to be close to family and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

George was always an avid adventurer. He would encourage anyone to “get out there.” George visited Alaska, the South Pole, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Russia, England, Scotland and Ireland. 

George also loved nature photography, and his travels provided him with endless photo subjects. He passed his love of photography to his children and many others.

George loved learning and held two degrees from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He actively encouraged his three children to read and ask questions, and to spend time thinking about what they read and heard. 

George leaves his wife, Ann; three children from his first marriage, Margo Brown, Todd Pappas and Andrea Pappas; four grandchildren, Roger Eckert, Robyn Eckert, Malin Pappas and Alexia Pappas; stepson Martin Jameson and stepdaughter Lynn Lagerquist, and all of their families. Many others were touched by his sense of adventure, positive attitude and love of science. He will be missed.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. at The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com. 

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.