February 12, 1959 - June 15, 2023
George A. Tranker Jr of Niles, Michigan | 1959 - 2023 | Obituary
After a courageous 6 year battle with cancer, George, 64, lost the fight and passed away surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his wonderful wife of 44 years, Theresa and his son Matthew (Ashley) Tranker both of Niles, MI. He also leaves a brother, Tony (June) Tranker of Florida and sister, Lisa Williamson of Norfolk, VA. And many nieces and nephews.
George was born in South Haven, MI to Sandra Folk and George Tranker. He excelled in sports, which would be a passion of his, the rest of his life. He would later meet his future wife and high school sweetheart while in high school.
George would enlist into the United States Air Force in 1977. He and Theresa were wed August 12, 1978. George’s time in the military would end up being a 20-year career, retiring as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the rank of Master Sergeant. Oddly enough, that career never took
him overseas and wouldn’t keep him too far from the Midwest. From 1978-1984 he was stationed at KI Sawyer AFB in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. His next stop from 1984-1986 was Chanute AFB in Illinois. After that from 1986 to 1992, he would work with the ROTC program at the University of Notre Dame. He finished his time from 1992 to 1997 at Maxwell AFB in Alabama. Once he finished his time and decided to retire, he and the family moved back to Michigan. There he accepted a job at Low Associates, in South Bend and would work there until his cancer diagnosis forced him into an early retirement.
George was a very passionate sports fan, rooting for the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings; Notre Dame and Michigan football. He was also a huge fan of music, which he later shared that passion with his son and they both bonded with that, talking music and going to shows/concerts. He also had the pleasure of owning two Corvettes at two different times. Something he was very proud of and thoroughly enjoyed.
But George’s biggest passions was his family, Theresa and Matthew. He adored his family and would do anything for them. He loved spending time with them and was an exceptional husband and father.
He will be sorely missed by everyone who got the opportunity to know him. He was a good person, husband, father, and friend.
Memorial service for George will be held at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, MI. Dinner will follow beginning at 5 pm at Buchanan American Legion for family and friends to gather. Since the Tranker’s were involved in dog rescue and fostering: In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Boxer Haven Rescue c/o C. Folk; PO Box 1461 Warren MI 48090.