Ishpeming – George "Doods" Emanuelson, age 79, of 709 Park St. Ishpeming, passed away on Sunday May 29, 2011 at the home of his daughter at 232 Zoberlein St. in Ishpeming. He was in the loving care of his family and the Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice at the time of his death.


George was born February 10, 1932 in Ishpeming the son of the late George F. and Sylvia (Siltanen) Emanuelson. George attended the Ishpeming Public Schools with the Class of 1950. He later graduated in 2000 with others who were honored for their military service. George served his country proudly in the United States Army during the Korean War. He served with the 553rd FA Battalion, Ft. Still, OK. George was the trigger man of the unit that fired "Shot Grable" on May 25, 1953 in the Nevada desert, the first and only atomic artillery shell domestically fired, and is commonly referred to as "Atomic Annie".


Following his service time "Doods" returned to Ishpeming and was employed by the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co., working at mines such at the Cliffs Shaft, Eagle Mills, Republic, Humboldt, Mather A & B and retired as a salaried supervisor of the Pellet Plant at the Tilden Mine Oct 10, 1985 after over 30 years with the company.

George was a great outdoorsman, always enjoying hunting and in his younger years fly-fishing. Times out at camp, though the years hunting at "Dymond-ville", the homestead, being "Out North" and sharing hunts with his grandson Pete, and most recently bragging about Jenny's 1st buck and turkey, were highlights for George. "Doods" loved to spend time with family, have good food, take care of his aunt Betty Siltanen, ride in the woods and reminisce about times with his "hero" Uncle Sam Wiitkala and best friend Roy "Beer-Beer" Dymond.


Doods was kindhearted, volunteering for many community activities. He was an active member of the Bethel Lutheran Church, where he could often be found ushering, serving at friendship meals or washing the dishes following luncheons at the church. He was also a member of the Ishpeming Elks Club #447, where he helped with the Elks pasties. Other memberships and activities included the Ishpeming VFW #4573, the American Legion, Negaunee Rod & Gun Club, Ishpeming Cribbage League, Ishpeming-Negaunee Horseshoe League, the Twi-light Bowling League, and volunteering at the Ishpeming Senior Center. "You could always count on George" was a way someone summed it up.


George was never afraid of work, and did just about anything one could think of from bartending to roofing. Some common sayings of George's were "Anything to put food on the table", "You're never too good to work" and "no one owes you a job".


Survivors include 3 daughters – Gail (John) Hinds and Vickie Emanuelson both of Ishpeming and Marion Emanuelson of Marquette, 5 grandchildren – Peter (Terra) Frustaglio, Jenny (Troy Hanson) Frustaglio, Chelsea (Rick Watson) Frustaglio, Tara (Nick) Willig and Angie (Trevor Ehle) Alongo, 8 great grandchildren – Garrett, Reid, Emily, Caitlyn, Nick, Joshua, Savannah and much anticipated Avery along with special grandchildren – Elizabeth and Jolee Johnson. Brothers and sisters include – Robert (Carrie) Emanuelson, Karen Emanuelson, Norma (Frank) Spencer and Richard (Barbara Boles) Emanuelson, and very good friends – Warren "Bill" Heikkila, Charlie Larson and Mike Laurin. George was preceded in death by his wife Sharon on Jan. 14, 1997, and his brother Jaryd Emanuelson.


The family will greet relatives and friends from 1:00 – 3:00pm on Wednesday June 1, 2011 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming where the Ishpeming Elks will hold a memorial service at 2:00pm. Funeral services will follow at 3:00pm at the Bethel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate, with military honors to be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #380. Interment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall.


Pallbearers will be Charlie Larson, Warren Heikkila, Mike Laurin, Jack Williams, John Hinds, Pete Frustaglio, Troy Hanson, and Rick Watson.