George Orcutt

George Frederick Orcutt was a man who never failed to be kind to those around him. His exceptional sense of humor carried him through life and brought joy to his family and friends. His close relationship with God had a monumental impact on him, and he didn't treat his faith lightly. He lived an altruistic life, dedicated to those he loved.

In 1929, America was faced with many changes. Leaving the era of the Roaring Twenties behind, everyone had to adjust to a new lifestyle. The crash of the stock market plummeted the country into the Great Depression, and no longer, were the days of booming industry and luxurious living. Americans had to reign in their spending and gain a new outlook on life. For Frank and Helen Orcutt, these changes were mere background noise, because on January 15 -Frank's own birthday- the couple welcomed their beautiful son, George into their family.

Growing up in a loving home, with his parents and his grandparents around made George the kind of person who looked out for others. He was a helpful boy, determined to put a smile on the faces of those around him, and always ready to lend a hand.

Dedicated to whatever he began, George joined Boy Scouts and worked his way up the ranks until he became an Eagle Scout- the highest rank in the organization. When he picked up sports, he didn't stop at just one, instead choosing basketball, track and tennis. Again, his dedication proved evident when he was still playing tennis in 2010.

In junior high, George met the girl that would become his wife. The two were at a swimming pool when the young boy dove underwater to grab at an unsuspecting leg. As it happened, he accidentally grabbed someone entirely different than he had intended, but Jean was a good sport.

Although she protested at his clutch, she was soon taken with the young man, and they ended up dating their freshman, sophomore and senior year of York High Elmhurst High School. The two were crazy about each other. Jean felt as though George became her beloved.

That strong bond was brought to the test when, after attending college at Northwestern University, George joined the Air Force in 1951 and was honorably discharged a Second Lieutenant in 1953 after serving as an aircraft controller in the Korean War. He was dedicated not only to his family, but also his country and he was eager to do his part. Leaving his love at home was not an easy decision, but he knew he would come back for her.

George and Jean were married on September 21, 1951 during a delay enrout at the at the Elmhurst Congregational Church in Illinois. George became her Georgie, and Jean his Jeano, and they were more in love than ever.

When George did come home, the two started a family. Their son, Steven, was born in 1955, and their daughter Beth came along in 1958. The household was one of love and dedication. Responsibility was another lifelong pillar of his, and he never tired of reminding his kids that "you can't leave someplace and be someplace at the same time." Punctuality was important.

Family was also important to George, and he loved going to his son's swim meets. Even when his children were married he cherished the time he got to spend with his grandchildren, and would travel to see them in plays, musicals and sporting events.

The Orcutts lived in Downers Grove, Illinois for much of their life, spending 39 years there, 30 years of which George spent working in the sales and management department of Waste Management Company, retiring in 1993 after much time spent as a dedicated employee.

Vacations were often spent piling the family into the car and driving across the country mainly to national parks and often hauling a trailor. Closer to home, was Warren Dunes, Michigan, an expanse of sand and beach that George simply loved and it became thier favorite.

Jean and George celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on a weekend trip to White Pines State Park in Oregon, Illinois. Making trips like this, where he could enjoy the beauty of nature and the company of those he loved, were some of George's favorite times.

On October 8, 1972, George and Jean attended a Lay Witness Program at their church and George experienced a spiritual revival, receiving Jesus Christ as his Savior. When this happened, his life changed forever. Soon they began traveling with Steven, Beth, and other lay ministers to share thier witness to others.

Prior to his spiritual revival George claimed to lead three different lives: home, work and church. Once he became a believer, he pulled those strands together, and lived the same in each area of his life. Jean and George became Prayer Warriors, taking on prayer requests of anyone who asked. They would wake up earlier and earlier as the requests came in, and found that their favorite time of day was their early morning prayer time. Perhaps it was the quietness of the morning, or how they felt closer to God and each other during that time, but it became a treasured part of their lives.

They moved to Bourbonnais, Illinois in 2007, where they attended Calvary Bible Church. Here they started working with prayer groups and George served as treasurer of the church for three years. George knew his life had been changed for the better, through Christ, and he wanted to share that experience with others.

George lived by Romans 12:12: "Be joyful in hope, patient on affliction, faithful in prayer." Even in his last days he was kind and loving to all he knew, and those who visited him in the hospital. He never lost his sense of humor and left his family with gift of knowing that they will see him again, and for now he is with Jesus, and he is free.

George F. Orcutt, 82, died on September 18, 2011.

His immediate family includes a son, Steven and wife Joy Orcutt of North Bend, WA; a daughter, Beth and husband Dr. Jerry Swale of Bourbonnais, IL; grandchildren, Steven Swale, Matt and Jackie Swale, Amanda Orcutt, Laura Swale, Becky Orcutt, and Ryan Swale. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Frances Seabert.

Funeral services will be on Friday, September 23, at 10:00 a.m., at Calvary Bible Church, with Rev. Joel Giles officiating. George will lie in state from 9 a. m. up to the time of service at the church. Visitation will be at the Bourbonnais chapel of the Schreffler Life Story Funeral Home on Thursday, September 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial with military rites will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. Memorials may be made to the Calvary Bible Church. To leave a special memory, to share a special photo, to view George’s video tribute or to read his entire life story, go to schrefflerfuneralhomes.com and search their name.