George W. Liebl, age 58 of Menno passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 7, 2013 in Menno, SD. Memorial services will be 11:00 AM, Friday, July 12, 2013 at Grace Lutheran Church in Menno with Rev. Theresa Jacobson officiating. Private family burial of the cremated remains will be held at a later date at the Rademacher Cemetery, Clayton, SD. Visitations will be from 5-8 PM, Thursday, July 11, 2013 at Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Menno with the prayer service at 7:00 PM. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Honorary Urnbearers: Menno High School Class of ’73 and co-workers at Gehl Manufacturing.
George Walter Liebl was born April 27, 1955 to Wilma Louise (Knittel) and Vernon Francis Liebl in Freeman. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church, Menno.
George attended Menno Public Schools, graduating from Menno High School in 1973. George attended Mitchell Vo-Tech for one year.
After attending vo-tech, George traveled to Wisconsin and Colorado where he was employed in manufacturing and recreation businesses. He then moved back to Menno and worked for Fair Manufacturing. George married Linda Thranum in 1977. He enjoyed spending time with her and her two daughters, Teresa (Tess) and Della. He later divorced from Linda. He then moved to Sioux Falls and worked at ChiChis Mexican restaurant.
George married Tammy Romsdahl on July 7, 1990. He treasured Tammy’s daughter, Kathie. George and Tammy bought Vern’s Beer Garden from his folks and operated it from April 1, 1991 until they divorced in March of 1996.
George returned to work at Fair Manufacturing of Menno and later began his fifteen year career with Gehl Manufacturing working the night shift until the time of his death.
Countless people remember George for the acts of kindness and friendliness he extended. He was a friend to everyone he met.
George loved the NFL football games and MLB baseball games. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed watching all of their games. He also was an avid fan of the New York Yankees. He enjoyed a trip to watch the Yankees and Twins at Target Field two years ago with his brothers and sister-in-law. George took pleasure in relaxing in the outdoors; he loved to camp and fish. He took delight in the annual Liebl campouts in the summer and in tenting and fishing down by the James River. He treasured his time with all of his family and was a special uncle and great uncle to all of his nieces and nephews. George took joy in visiting with his many friends and family. He looked forward to fishing with his friends from high school each summer and had just attended his 40th class reunion. He was an excellent story teller and got a kick out of telling good jokes. When gathered with friends and family, George was quick to join in a game of pinochle. At home, George spent much time reading; he had a large collection of Stephen King novels.
Thankful for having shared his life are his four brothers: Francis (Karen) Liebl of Newton, IA, Greg (Marilyn) Liebl of Menno, SD, Dan Liebl of Yankton, SD, and Jeff (Jacque) Liebl of Menno, SD; seven nieces and nephews: Jennifer (Andy) Elbert of Newton, IA, Jon (Jolene) Liebl of Newton, IA, Coleen (Ryan) Smith of Mitchell, SD, Mark (Amanda) Liebl of Dell Rapids, SD, Melissa (Kevin) Cole of Centerville, SD, Sarah (Aaron) Anderson of Yankton, SD, and Ryan Liebl of Menno, SD; twelve great-nieces and nephews: Spencer and Austin Elbert of Newton, IA, Jaya Liebl of, Newton, IA, Zakary and Hope Smith of Mitchell, SD, Joshua and Kate Liebl of Dell Rapids, SD, Riley and Lucas Cole of Centerville, SD, Tyrell, Easton, and Kobe Anderson, all of Yankton, SD; aunt, Marie Liebl of Yankton, SD; uncle, Derold Liebl of Omaha, NE; and many extended relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his dad, Vernon, on September 22, 1995, his mom, Wilma, on November 13, 2010, his grandparents, George and Emma Liebl and Walter and Louise Knittel, aunt and uncle, Alitha and Jake Pollman, aunt and uncle, Janice and Denny Buehner, aunt and uncle, Gladys (Lee) Liebl and Jack Taylor, and sister-in-law, Nancy Liebl.