George House

George W. House, age 92, of rural Sigourney, passed away in his home on Saturday, August 10, 2024. 

George was born in Lancaster, Iowa to Harold and Georgia (Liechti) House on September 8, 1931. He grew up and attended the country school directly across the road from his family home in Lancaster. He graduated from Sigourney High School in the class of 1948, which also included his future wife, Margaret Devine. George began college at the University of Iowa and later transferred to Iowa State Teachers College with the goal of attaining his teaching certificate. His education was interrupted by a family illness that brought him back to Lancaster where he farmed and taught country school. George enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 and married Margaret in August of that same year at our Lady of Lourdes in Keswick, Iowa. George was stationed at Erding Air Base in Germany and then O’Hare Air Base in Chicago. 

After completing his service, George and Margaret returned to Keokuk County and the farm north of Sigourney where Margaret had been born and raised. There they raised their own eight children and during this time George farmed, completed his education at the University of Iowa and became Postmaster in Sigourney. George was dedicated to his family, community and church. He was involved in Kiwanis, Keokuk County Historical Society, Lancaster Heritage, University of Iowa Parents Association, Pleasant Grove Cemetery Board, Keokuk County Veterans Affairs, Keokuk County Democrats, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Council, Sigourney Summer Theater, Sigourney Arts Council, Main Street Sigourney and Country School Association of America.

George was a friend to many and a stranger to none. He was known for his sense of humor and his ability to tell a good story. He was often enlisted to speak at a wide variety of civic events. He was admired by his family for his strong work ethic and moral compass. 

The love George provided was returned many fold. Survivors include Margaret, his wife of 73 years, his children: Susan (George) Harper of Independence, Dave (Robin) of Marion, Tom (Susan) of Lenexa, Kansas, Joe (Susie) of Ankeny, Jim (Eileen) of Cedar Rapids, John (Maria) of Montreal, Canada, Dan (Andrea) of Sigourney and Bill (Sarah) of West Des Moines, 22 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. George was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Beth Soth.

In memory of George House, please consider making a donation to one of the following charities:

• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
• Food Bank Of Iowa
• 
  

Funeral Mass: 2:00 p.m. Friday August 16, 2024 St. Mary Catholic Church - Sigourney
Burial ; Pleasant Grove Cemetery - Sigourney
Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday August 15, 2024 Holm Funeral Home Sigourney