Grubb Family Tree

Obituaries: George Berton Von Bargen(1920-2007)
December 24, 2007 11:00 pm

George Berton Von Bargen, born February 22, 1920 in McCleary Wash., died December 4, 2007 in Orting, Wash. He was preceded in death by his brother Bobby Von Bargen, his sister Ruth Mack, his wife Vonnie Von Bargen and his daughter Patricia Hutchinson.

He is survived by his son, Dale Von Bargen of Crescent City and his brothers and sisters, Clyde Rock, Katherine Oakes, Norma Jean Smith, Fred Von Bargen, Jack Von Bargen and Dennis Von Bargen all living in and around Olympia, Wash.

George served our country from November 25, 1941 through October 22, 1945 in the U.S. Army Air Force in the 558th AAF BU and saw action in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations as a top turret gunner and munitions rigger. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged with many decorations and citations. He was active in VFW for many years after his discharge.

George moved his young family to Crescent City in 1956 where his children attended school and his family worshipped at Grace Lutheran Church. He worked at many different tasks at Nor-Cal and Standard Veneer Mills and was a lathe operator before repeated back injuries dictated that he seek less physical employment. He worked as a security guard up until he fully retired. George was not able to attend high school as a youth, but he attained a high school diploma by passing the state proficiency test as an adult in Del Norte.

George was an avid outdoorsman and many of his closest friends were people with whom he hunted and fished. He spent many happy years enjoying the hunting and fishing in Del Norte County. He was an enthusiastic rock-hound and spent many hours gathering agates here.

George spent his final years at the Orting Old Soldier's Home in Orting. He had many friends among the residents, staff and locals and was close to his brothers and sisters.

Private memorial services were held at the Veteran's Chapel in Orting with family and friends and private inurnment was arranged by Wier's Mortuary in the Veteran's section of the Crescent City Cemetery.