George McAleenan

George M. McAleenan of Ada, Michigan was called by the Lord to heaven on April 13, 2019, after a brief illness. He joins his beloved wife, Katy, where they are once again matching steps on the dance floor. George was born February 23, 1931 in White Plains, New York. He graduated from Iona Preparatory School and Williams College (B.A. Geology), playing football and running track at both. In addition, he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity while at Williams, and forged a number of life lifelong friendships at the college. He spent the summer of 1951 in Montana, mapping the Elk Ridge Basin for Standard Oil of NJ, and returned to finish his senior year at Williams, certain of his career path. Serving as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force after graduation, he and his new bride, Katy, began their life together at Larsen Air Force Base in Moses Lake, Washington the fall of 1952. After the service, he spent a period of six years working for Carter Oil (later part of ExxonMobil), being transferred multiple times to various locations in Louisiana and Arkansas, and finally settling in Grand Rapids, Michigan. When it came time for one more transfer, George’s entrepreneurial spirit won out. In April of 1959, he left Carter Oil to start his own business. The beginning ventures led to the creation of Peninsular Oil & Gas Company, a company which he ran actively for thirty-one years. He was blessed with loyal partners, who became very dear friends. A testament to them all, in their twenty plus year relationship, these partners never once sat down in a room all together. Yet the business enjoyed great success. George was an active and well-respected member of the Michigan Oil and Gas Association (MOGA) as well as being a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG). He loved geology, but also enjoyed bringing people together, negotiating the deal. He was a creative thinker who looked for ways to solve differences. He brought these gifts to the community of Grand Rapids, which he dearly loved, serving on the Aquinas College Board of Trustees and as the president of the Peninsular Club. 

Always young at heart, he eschewed tradition and was affectionately known as “George” or “Georgie” to his grandchildren. He is survived by his loving family, including his children: Mark (Valerie), Gary (Sue), Greg (Karin) and Karin Turmelle (Tim); his fourteen grandchildren: Marissa (Kent Higgs), Jenny Martin, Trevor (Gayle), Colin (Stephanie), Brianna (Nick Knuth), Geoff (Kayla); Chris (Julie), Jeni (Jason Webb), Kyle (Joe Grusling); Corey (Blake Boehm), Ryan; Catlyn (James Piercy), Emily (Sam Sheehan), Casey (Patricia) Turmelle, as well 

as nineteen great grandchildren: Ashleigh and Ellie Higgs; Jadah Martin; Roarke; Marcus and Ashlyn Mauer and Emerson; Jack; George and Connor; Matthew and James Webb; Mason and Beckett Grusling; Bodie and Saylor Boehm; Cooper Piercy; Sadie Sheehan; Quinn Turmelle. He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Katherine, his parents, Kenneth and Edna McAleenan; sister, Jean, brother, Kenny; parents-in-law, Frederick and Elizabeth Hogg; brother-in-law, Bill. He has had a profound and lasting influence on all his family. The twinkle in his eye, his quick wit, ready puns, and engaging stories will be greatly missed, but not forgotten. His generous love and the delight he took in his family will continue to be treasured. 

The family would especially like to thank Drs. Rick McNamara and Dan Drumm for their compassionate care, their generous gift of time and their guidance over the years. In addition, the family would like to recognize and thank the nurses and aides at Marywood Health Center who became such an important part of George’s day-to-day living. 

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30am on August 24, 2019 at St. Robert of Newminster Parish.  The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30am at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to OLLI at Aquinas College or the Williams College Alumni fund, Class of 1952 (in memory of George M. McAleenan). 

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