George Vakoc, 94, of Clarissa, passed away on Tuesday, November 6, 2007, at the Central Todd County Care Center in Clarissa.  Mass of Christian burial celebrating the life of George will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2007, 11 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Clarissa.  Friends may call on Friday, November 9, 2007, 4-8 p.m., at the Iten Funeral Home in Clarissa and on the day of the service starting at 10:00 a.m. at the church.  Interment will be at Christ the King Catholic Cemetery in Browerville.

George Joe Vakoc was born on a snowy Easter Sunday, March 23, 1913 to Henry and Christina (Smida) Vakoc in Iona Township, Todd County, Minnesota.  He attended District 115 Country School and the Clarissa High School through 9th grade.

George married Betty Katterhagen on November 12, 1938 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Long Prairie.  He farmed his entire life until 1982, when they moved into Clarissa. George was on the Iona Township Board and the Eagle Valley CO-OP Oil Board for over 30 years each.  He has served on the Memorial Fund Board at the Central Todd County Care Center since 1977, recently as president.  George was the 2002 Senior Citizen of Todd County.

George was a lover of the land, first as a farmer, then as an in-town gardener, as was evident by his huge pumpkins, hundred of tomatoes, beautiful lawn and flowers.  He made so many crocks of dill pickles he became lovingly known as “Pickleman PaPa” by his great grandchildren.

George’s family and church were the center of his life.  He was a lifetime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.  One of his favorite things besides gardening was fishing with his son-in-laws and going to the lake in Park Rapids.  He enjoyed cooking and tried many a recipe on his two daughters.  George was a good card player and enjoyed the camaraderie with his friends at the senior center.  Watching the Twins play baseball was always a favorite past time. 

George is survived by his daughters:  Kathryn (Richard) Lee of St. Cloud, Georgiann (Patrick) Moore of White Bear Lake, 6 grandchildren:  Gregory, Deborah, Stacie, Scott, Tera, Charlie and 8 great grandchildren.

George is preceded in death by his wife, Betty on July 8, 2000, a son Gregory, his parents, 2 sisters and 1 brother.  He was a kind and gentle man and his presence in our lives will be sorely missed.