George Michael Schlinglof
MESA – George Michael Schlinglof, age 73, Mesa, Arizona died Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, KS, after a long struggle with COPD. He was born September 29, 1944 in Phoenix, Arizona to Paul D. and Donna L. (Craig) Schlinglof. He grew up in Mesa, AZ but moved to Kansas to live with his grandfather, owner of “Craig’s Café”, while attending Caldwell High School. George graduated high school with the class of 1963. George was drafted and then enlisted in the Army while attending community college in California. He served in Korea in an administrative capacity during the Vietnam War. In 1968 he married Kathie Mary Gervas. To this union were born two children: Kimberly Ann born in 1969 and Carl Michael born in 1975. After serving in the Armed Forces, George earned his Associates degree from Mesa Community College in 1970 and graduated from Arizona State University in 1972 with a Bachelor’s degree in History.
George was a devoted family man, highly intelligent, outgoing and loved to tell jokes. Living a harmonious life was of the utmost importance and he had an inner calmness that drew others to him.
After graduating from ASU, George sold advertising for Rand McNally. Later George turned his salesmanship to retail where he held many management positions for Cincinnati Shoe Company working inside Smitty’s store located in Scottsdale, for Brown Shoe Company inside The Broadway department stores located in Phoenix, Tucson and Las Vegas, and for Milgram Kagan inside Evans stores located in Chicago. While working for these companies George was awarded Manager of the Month in 1982 and Manager of the Month and Year in 1990.
In 1987 George married Sue Copeland. They bought a home in East Mesa closer to George’s children where they celebrated many family gatherings before divorcing in 2007. George continued to live in the home until August of 2017 when he moved to Wichita, KS to live with his daughter. George and Sue remained close friends until the end of George’s life. George was an inclusive person. His philosophy was once a family member or friend; always a family member or friend.
In 1992, George graduated from the American Institute of Paralegal Studies. He then began a 20 year career as a Child Support Enforcement Officer for the State of Arizona, where the fruit of his work was obtaining child support for deserving youth. While working for the State of Arizona, George was awarded the Governor’s Recognition Award and the Governor’s Award for Excellence in State Service.
George loved dogs, as he had several favorite canine companions through the years. His children and grandchildren filled his life with immense joy and purpose. George lived a life of service to others. He touched many lives with his quick wit, warm smile and his willingness to lend a helping hand. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Survivors include: one daughter: Kimberly Downs and husband Jerry and one son: Carl Schlinglof both of Wichita, KS; one brother: Dave Schlinglof of Mesa, AZ; one sister: Christie Sandell and husband Don of Arapahoe, NE, four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and his faithful dog Maggie. The family held a private celebration of George’s life.