George W. Hauth

George W. Hauth, Jr., age 89, passed away May 5, 2015, at his home in Marshfield, Mo., after an extended illness.  He was born July 14, 1925, in Waukegan, Ill.  By nature, George was a friendly well liked man who never met a stranger.  He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  George was preceded in death by his parents, George W. and Eugenia Hauth; a sister, Doris Foster; and brothers, Arthur, Le Roy and Eugene Hauth.  George is survived by his wife of 49 years, Glenda (Casey); five daughters, Ginger Farrens and her husband, Wayne, Cheryl Reigner and her husband, Charles, Diane Sepanski and her husband, Dave, Jacqueline Freeze and her husband, Pat, and Melissa Rome and her husband, Paul; three granddaughters, Kelsey Payne, Rachel Reese, and Sarah Freeze; and two grandsons, Jeremy and Justin Sepanski; along with numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.  George attended school at South School in North Chicago before graduating from Waukegan High School in Waukegan.  George began work at an early age, becoming a caddy at Kildare Country Club in Prairie View at the age of 13.  In 1942 at the age of 17, he became a water boy at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Great Lakes. during the construction of their boot camp.  On October 4, 1943 he enlisted in the US Navy and did his boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Center before being transferred to the Fleet Record Office in San Francisco, Calif.  He served aboard the USS General U. L. Scott and the USS Tularont in Crypto; the Fleet Record Office in New Caledonia; Secret Publications in New Caledonia and the USS Warrick AKA 89 in Crypto.  He received an Honorable Discharge as Seaman First Class on April 13, 1946.  During his service in the Navy during World War II, he received the Point System Medal, Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, and the Navy Occupation Service Medal.  After his discharge from the Navy he returned to Bell & Gossett Co. in Morton Grove, as assistant foreman before venturing on his own to become a very successful business man.  In 1952, he founded an arcade business called “Fun Land Arcade” in Great Lakes.; a nightclub “Two Two Lounge” in North Chicago; a concession “Helen’s White Hat” at the North Western RR Station, Great Lakes; and was co-owner with his brother, Le Roy, of the “Friendly Tavern” in North Chicago.  In 1966, he relocated to Southern California with his family.  In 1967, he became co-owner of Ceramic Form Grinding, doing work on the Minuteman Missile computer programs.  In 1969 this business was sold to North American Rockwell and in 1970, he became founder/owner of Gem-Tec, Inc. in La Habra, Calif.  At Gem-Tec he manufactured computer components and guidance systems for the Minuteman IV, Sperro Missile, Patriot Missile, Space Shuttle, Submarines and manufactured various other computer peripheral for commercial use.  He was recognized for his exceptional work on the Minuteman missile Program and was awarded entry into the Smithsonian Institute.  In 1998 he retired and sold Gem-Tec, Inc., and in 2004 he moved to Marshfield, Mo. with his family.  George was the first life member of the Masonic Lodge in Illinois; a member of Santa Ana Scottish Rites; a member at El Bekal Temple, Valencia Shrine in Anaheim, Calif., a life member of the VFW in North Chicago; a member of the Lions Club, Elks Club and The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.  Before he became ill, he was an avid pool player, golfer, bowler, photographer, videographer, and wood smith and loved traveling in his motor home.   Graveside services will be Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Leamington Cemetery near Equality, under the direction of Vickery Funeral Chapel of Shawneetown.  Masonic Services will be held at gravesite along with Military Rites.