George R. Lausch, Sr. age 89, a resident of Carol Stream, IL, and formerly of Oak Lawn, IL. Beloved husband of the late Emily (Verbeck); loving father of Jane (Peter Gaines), George Jr. (Susan Merry), James (Mona) and Gloria (Robert Smith). Grandfather of 11, great-grandfather of 4.

Born January 19, 1920 in Chicago, IL, he died Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at Johnson Healthcare Center in Carol Stream. He retired from the Chicago Bridge & Iron Company, Oak Brook, in 1982 after 34 years of service. He was a proud WWII veteran of the Army Corps of Engineers, stationed in the South Pacific.

An avid woodworker, George designed and created furniture for family and the many friends who resided with him at Windsor Park Manor, Carol Stream. George was also a talented wood carver and stained glass artist.

Upon retirement, George put his engineering and woodworking talents to use by creating educational toys for children with physical and mental disabilities. These were created in conjunction with the Physical and Occupational Health Departments at Christ Hospital, Oak Lawn. He was awarded a special honor from the hospital for his designs and dedication to the project.

Memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 28, at Gary United Methodist Church, 224 North Main Street, in Wheaton (www.garychurch.org).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 7100, El Segundo, CA 90245 or www.pancan.org.