George R. Mannisto, Jr.

George R. Mannisto, Jr., age 82, of Munising, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at his home due to complications of a brief illness.  He was born on July 25, 1939 to the late George and Isabelle (Kelly) Mannisto, Sr.  George attended both Eben Schools and Wm. G. Mather High School.  At a young age, he began working in the woods with his dad.  He began peeling pulp, caring for the horse, and eventually driving and delivering pulp even though he was not old enough to have a license.  One day at the Delft Theater, George laid eyes on Millie Moulds, and with an unexpected kiss, this began their sixty-five year long love story.  They were married on August 22, 1959 and this started their lifelong honeymoon.  When George was eighteen, he began working for Hiawatha Telephone Company and progressed as a lineman, cable splicer, and eventually a foreman, retiring after thirty-two years of service.  After retirement, George and Millie owned and operated the Country Corner Store in Wetmore until 2003.  The store was a family business where their children and even some grandkids worked (even if they were only paid in chocolate).  The store was a staple for the community in Wetmore and provided a place that many would visit daily for coffee and stories.  George was a longtime member of Eden Lutheran Church where he sat on the church council and served many years as president, and he was proud of his involvement in the new construction of the church on the bay.  He also was a board member of the Munising Community Credit Union for many years.  George enjoyed, hunting, fishing, feeding the birds, rides in the woods, and trips to the casino.  He was a talented baker, a trait he learned at a young age, mastering his craft with his oatmeal raisin cookies for the teacher’s lounge when he was in school.  Another talent he carried through life from his childhood was playing the accordion. Whether he was earning tips as a kid, or playing for family gatherings, playing the accordion made him happy.  George was a self-proclaimed jack of all trades, master of none.  He helped friends with many building projects and was excited to help excavate with his bulldozer.  George had an infectious smile and never-ending sense of humor. George’s greatest love was his family, especially his grandkids.

Thank you for being the best husband and dad ever.  Until we meet again, Daddy we will miss you every day.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years – Millie Mannisto of Munising; children – Lisa (Dan) Stein of Cloquet, MN, George (Amy) Mannisto III of Munising, Lori (John) Rossetti of The Villages, FL, and Darci (Dale) Kurth of Chatham; grandchildren - George Gregory and Aubree Victoria Stein, Mallory (Adam) Hemminger, Paige (Troy) Anderson, Isabelle Mannisto, George Mannisto IV, Christopher (Lindsey) Bishop, Brittany (Jake) Harrill, and Kathryn, Kyle, and Rebecca Kurth;  nine great-grandchildren with two on the way; siblings – Mary Thompson, Howard (Tina) Mannisto, Harold (Sally) Mannisto, Kenny Mannisto, Elizabeth “Ta” Buckmaster, and Clara “TD” (Steve) Rushford; brother-in-law - Richard Root; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  George was preceded in death by his parents – George and Isabelle; infant daughter – Gale Mannisto; son-in-law - David Bishop; and siblings – Hilma Root, Charles “Pete” Mannisto, and Jimmy “Heikki” Mannisto.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Eden Lutheran Church from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m.  Pastor Tommy Richter will conduct George’s funeral at 2:00 p.m.  Graveside services will be conducted by Pasto Tommy Richter on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising.