George Francis Maruska passed away peacefully at St Mary’s/ Mayo hospital in Rochester, MN on February 26, 2019 from a debilitating disease. Visitation will be noon to 1:30 p.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial with military honors at 1:30 p.m., Monday, March 4, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes George was born on October 6, 1950 in Detroit Lakes MN to George and Lillian Maruska, the third oldest of eight children. He attended Holy Rosary School and graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1968 where he played hockey, football and baseball.
Following two years of college at St. John’s University, he enlisted in the U S Navy and served a tour of duty at the U.S. Naval Station in Morocco. After his Navy service, he returned to college at the University of North Dakota where he met his wife, Laurel. He graduated in 1977 with a degree in accounting.
That same year he passed his CPA exam and he and Laurel were married. George and Laurel moved to Grand Marias, MN where George was employed as the City Clerk Treasurer. In 1980 he joined the Spry CPA firm in Grand Marais and became a partner several years later.
In 1990 he bought the firm and it became George F. Maruska CPA LTD until 2017, when he sold the business and he and Laurel moved to Detroit Lakes. George was a loving spouse and dedicated father to three sons. He spent much time supporting them in their endeavors and providing encouragement and assistance.
His family was the center of his being. George was a member of the American Legion, Chamber of Commerce and Lion’s Club. His passion, however, was sports.
He was a die-hard supporter of the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Braves, Fighting Sioux (there were no fighting hawks in his vocabulary), Cook County (Grand Marais) football, and anything golf. He participated in curling, fast pitch softball, but golf was his obsession. He played as often as he could on as many different courses as he could get to.
He accomplished many bucket list items including private pilot certification, playing golf in Ireland, Scotland and at Pebble Beach. He also loved snowmobiling and spending time at his beloved cabin on West Bearskin Lake. George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lillian Maruska, and his son Zachary.
George is survived by his wife, Laurel, sons Tyler and Kyle; brothers Wayne (Renee), Dennis (Dale Schmitzer); sisters Carol (Marvin) Pierce, Catherine (Darryl Salter) Maruska, Louise Ogaard, Mary (James McDougall) Maruska, Gina (Michael) Erickson; sister-in laws Connie Loken, Julie (Rodger) Holien, Kelley (Steve) Palmoscino, Jayme (Mike) Simmers; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to CUREPSP, 30 E. Padonia Road, Suite 201, Timonium, Maryland 21093.
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