After more than 100 years of life on this earth, George S. Lauderdale died March 20, 2023.
He was born on the family farm in the Town of LaFayette on June 23, 1922. He was the son of the late Sylvanus “Vene” and Cora (Davis) Lauderdale. He went to school at the one-room Westville School and graduated from Elkhorn High School with the Class of 1939.
He attended the Agricultural Short Course at the University of Wisconsin Madison. He married his classmate Leona Dorn in March of 1943. They were blessed with five children, Margaret (Bruce) Hayden, Mary (Roger) Howard, Richard (Sharon) Lauderdale, Jane (Kevin) Schaaf and Gene (Patty) Lauderdale. He loved them and his 15 grandchildren – Beth, Kris, Jeff, Mike, Brian, Curt, Jim, Matt, Andy, Mark, Alex, Dan, Garrett, Laura, Eva and 18 great-grandchildren.
He liked to joke that he never got very far in life but he was so glad to be able to farm with his father and then his sons and grandson. It was a proud moment for him when the four-generation farm was designated a Century Farm in 2009.
George always cared about his community and served in many capacities. His wisdom and skill in handling tough situations were well known and respected. He was on the school board for both Westville and the Elkhorn Area School District. He served as a Town of LaFayette Supervisor and Town Chairman. George was a member of the Walworth County Board of Supervisors for 27 years and served as its chairman.
During that time, he was appointed to the Wisconsin Counties Association Board of Directors. He also served on the Wisconsin Counties Association Insurance Board and was a Director of the Sugar Creek Mutual Insurance Company for 46 years. He was on the Board of Directors of the Community Bank of Elkhorn. George enjoyed being a member of Elkhorn Kiwanis Club for over 50 years.
He was an active member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elkhorn and served on the church council and numerous church committees. George will be remembered as a gentleman of integrity with a smiling twinkle in his eye. He always took an interest in other people and had a kind word for everyone.
He is survived by his children; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Leona; daughter and son-in-law, Margaret (Bruce) Hayden; and a grandson, Jeff Howard.
Visitation was Friday, March 24, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church 415 South Devendorf Street Elkhorn. Memorials may be made in George’s name to: First Evangelical Church or the charity of donor’s choice. On-line guestbook is at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com. Arrangements completed by Haase-Lockwood and Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory Elkhorn.
“Many thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Ridgestone Terrace and St. Croix Hospice”
