George Edward Wassom was born on October 26, 1928 in Sac City, Iowa, the son of John Foster and Anne Wassom. 78 years later, on June 9, 2007, he passed away at his home on Hilltop Drive in Sac City, sitting on the porch enjoying a beautiful summer evening with his devoted wife of 56 years.

George met his wife, May E. Mendenhall, on January 14, 1948 and they were married in Sac City on his birthday in 1951. They have made Sac County their home for the last 56 years. The couple was blessed with 3 children: DeAnna, Sonya and Edward.

Throughout George’s lifetime he passionately shared his knowledge and expertise with young people. He eagerly mentored others, and willingly spent extra time advising his colleagues in their careers. George also spent many hours playing cards with his dear friends, fishing, hunting, having breakfast with his pals at the pond, and traveling. He was a master craftsman, a perfectionist and avid student of fine furniture making. His passion for woodworking has been shared with many and his works will be an enduring reminder of his exceptional talents.

George’s greatest passion was his family. He was a beloved father, husband, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. George had two brothers, Jack Wassom and Merritt Wassom of Sac City, who preceded him in death and he is survived by his sister, Dorine Molsberry of Georgetown, Texas. He shared his wonderful life with his wife Maybeth, his daughter DeAnna Wassom of Santa Barbara, California, his daughter Sonya and husband LaDon Johnson of Schilde, Belgium, and his son Edward Wassom and wife Stephanie Hearn of Boulder, Colorado. He loved and adored his four grandsons Garrett Wassom, Rabin Walters, Corbin Johnson, and Foster Johnson. He cherished every moment with them, whether on the lake fishing or in the woodshop building yet another birdhouse.

George attended Sac Community Schools, and stayed to work on the family farm during the war years. He proudly served in the Army Reserves from 1951 to 1954. His professional career was focused in the construction and road building industries. He was diligent and devoted to his employers, taking great pride in completing his jobs in a timely, cost-effective manner. He began working for Martin Mauer, and then moved to Godberson-Smith. Many Iowa roads and bridges were built with his guidance and hard work. Based on his extensive expertise in the field, he transitioned to GOMACO of Ida Grove, where he helped with construction equipment development. Later, his career led him to Superintendent of Sac County Roads, and lastly consulting for VT Industries.

As a member of the airport commission for many years, he contributed to the growth and development of the local Sac County Airport.

Funeral services were held on Saturday June 16, 2007, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sac City with Father Larry McCarty officiating. The Farber and Ottoman Funeral Home were in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial gifts may be made to:

Iowa State Bank
c/o George Wassom Community Benefit Fund
PO Box 486
Sac City, Iowa 50583

Special Note of Thanks:
To Loring Hospital doctors, staff and paramedics, friends, and extended family that have lightened our load during George’s illness and our time of sorrow, we express our sincere thanks. The support and understanding from the community has provided us comfort and we are so grateful.