George D. Radcliffe

Frankfort, IL / Grand Marais, MI

George D. Radcliffe, 71, of Frankfort, passed away September 12, 2018 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home. George was born June 4, 1947 in Joliet, IL. He grew up in Lockport, where he was very active at the Fairmont Methodist Church and in the Lockport Porters band. He graduated from Joliet Junior College in 1969, and earned both his bachelor’s degree in 1972 and his master’s degree in 1979 from Illinois State University. George spent most of his adult years as an educator sharing his knowledge of industrial technology and expertise with young people, inspiring them to do their best. He taught at Blackhawk Junior High in Park Forest, Hillcrest High School, Riverside-Brookfield High School, and Morton West High School in Berwyn. George also taught at Joliet Junior College, Prairie State Junior College, and in the Joliet prison system. Having always been successful designing, creating, and building, George had his own successful business, Radcliffe Construction. Throughout George’s 71 years, the Radcliffe family spent a lot of time by Lake Superior in Grand Marais, Michigan. George was baptized there in 1947 when only six weeks old. George and Linda have also been fortunate to travel, sharing those travel experiences with family and friends. George was a member of several professional associations including Phi Delta Kappa, Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, and Illinois Retired Teachers’ Association. He also served as the building representative for AFT at Morton, and as treasurer for the Illinois Drafting Educators’ Association.

George is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda (Wrench) Radcliffe, son George Radcliffe of Lisle, IL, daughter Jennifer Bleckiner, son-in-law John Bleckiner, and granddaughters Hannah and Sarah Bleckiner of Marquette, MI. He is also survived by extended family Steve and Lou Wrench, Becky and Steve Meier, and Jane Strohl. George was preceded in death by his parents George and Alice Radcliffe, father-in-law and mother-in-law Clyde and Anna Mary Wrench, and his dear brother-in-law Ken Strohl.

Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423 on Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 12:00 PM until time of funeral service at 2:00 PM.   Locally, services will be held at the First Lutheran Church in Grand Marais on Saturday, September 22, 2018.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.  Pastors Jon and Sharon Babbitt will conduct George’s funeral service at 2:00 p.m.   Interment will be at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Grand Marais.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:  MPN Research Foundation https://www.mpnresearchfoundation.org/Donate-to-MPN-Research, First Lutheran Church Grand Marais, MI, Joliet Area Community Hospice or a charity of your choice.