GEORGE KARL HAAG

8-8-28 to 10-3-17

George Karl Haag passed away on October 3rd after a short illness at age 89. George is survived by his wife of 49 years Maria (Marlies), son Mark (Jennifer), daughter Karen Birmingham (Timothy), seven grandchildren: David, Conor, Rose, Amelia, Maxwell, James and Gunther, and four cousins.

George enjoyed and appreciated every day of his life. He was born in Breslau, Germany, the youngest of 8 children. He was drafted into the Army when he was 16, and and spent two years in Russia as a POW. Upon release, George did not know the whereabouts of his family, and with the help of the Red Cross, located his mother and sister who were forced to flee their home during the war. George traveled to West Germany where he became a mason and helped rebuild the country. He had an uncle in California that sponsored him to come to the USA, where he started a new life working at his uncle’s grocery store in Gridley. George worked hard every day, the American dream, and appreciated his freedom and the beautiful country that welcomed him. George saved enough money to buy a house, then bring his mother and sister to the USA. He then attended Heald College in San Francisco where he became an Electronic Technician, then moved to Sacramento in 1959 to work for Douglas Aircraft then Aerojet. While dropping off his clothes at Ficetti Cleaners he met his future bride Maria, who had recently moved to Sacramento from Switzerland.

George and Maria raised their family in Sacramento where they were active members of St. Mary’s Parish. George became a small business owner when he opened Scotty’s Service Center on 18th & Capitol in 1973. George was an expert at fixing any small appliance, clock, or small treasure. He enjoyed his work and the people he met every day. In 1983, George moved his business to downtown Roseville where he worked until retirement at age 70.

George enjoyed retirement with his wife traveling and spending time with family. He spent his last year in Lodi where he enjoyed walks in the Lodi Lake Nature Area and time with his grandchildren. George will be missed by all. He was a member of the Swiss Helvetia Verein, the Order of the Hermann Sons, and the Knights of Columbus. Funeral services were private. Memorial donations may be made in his name to St. Anne’s School, 200 S. Pleasant Lodi CA 95240, or St. Mary’s School,1351 58th St. Sacramento 95819.

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/ guestbook.