George P. Pheneger, 63, Burlington, died unexpectedly, Jan. 2 2013. He was born in Mattoon, Ill., on Oct. 11, 1949. He married his loving wife, Sue Ann (Morgan) Pheneger at Burlington United Methodist Church on July 27, 1975.
He loved collie dogs and was a breeder and member of the Collie Club of America. He also enjoyed gardening at his home in Burlington. He had such a caring and loving heart for others and spent time helping other and ringing the Salvation Army bell for donations during the holidays. Those closest to George knew him as Red, which was the nickname given to him when he fell asleep in the sun on a family vacation.
Survivors include his brother, Chuck (Donna) Pheneger as well as other relatives and friends.
George worked for Chrysler Motor Car Company for 21 years.
Dave Murdock
George and I lived close to each other in Colby Subdivision so although we never were closest friends we did share some connections.
Because his brother Chuck went to Purdue, George became a die hard Boilermaker fan. His family took me to see a football game...other than SIU, where I attended, the only college football game I ever went to.
Georges' family did love their collie dogs. George was a very responsible son...I remember he had to get home after school because his mother was working as a nurse and he had to get a stew or pot roast started for the family's dinner all by himself.
George had great passion for whatever he became involved in. The summer of our sophmore year we both got jobs mowing the greens and groundskeeping at the Crystal Lake Country Club. We worked in terror of the Head Groundskeeper who was really old and really really cranky. George and I became fiercely competitive at work always trying to finish mowing our greens before the other guy did then jumping on our bikes and peddling like mad to the nearest gas station where we would finally stop and buy a grape soda.
George did everything with a fierce determination and passion. Although it was not often overt, I wish as his classmates we could have been kinder to him. I don't think his high school years were filled with fond memories.
I have often wondered through the years what George went on to do and what his life was like. I get great comfort to see that George had a loving wife and a nice career. What more could any of us ask for ?