George Richard Wilks

George R. Wilks, 90 of Bellaire, died at home May 14, 2024 surrounded by his family.  He was born Nov. 6, 1933 in Lincoln Park. He was the son of Bud and Alfreda (Ostewick) Lindsay.

   George was a dedicated employee at Lamina Bronze for 37 years before retiring.  He had many talents and could build and fix most anything.  He was a carpenter, a mechanic and certainly known as a “Jack of all trades”. 

   On July 17, 1954 in Mancelona he married Joyce (LaKies) Wilks.  Together they enjoyed traveling, trips to Wart Lake in Ontario, as well as wintering in Florida.  George also enjoyed occasional trips to the casino and scratch off lottery tickets!

   Surviving are his children Tami (Craig) Baclich of Bellaire, Rich Wilks of Bellaire, Rhonda Wilks-Arndt of Bellaire, Lolly (Don) Balon of Bellaire, 5 grandchildren Brad (Trista) Lennox, Patrick Lennox, Rian Marie (Chris) Sanford, Ross (Abby) Arndt, Johnathan (Logan) Balon, 8 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, 2 sisters Marilyn Maltby, Alfreda Kasper, sister-in-law Joan Wilks, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce in 2017, parents, infant brother Charles Wilks and brother Chester Wilks.

   Private family services will be held at Lakeview Cemetery, Bellaire.

  The family wishes to thank Hospice of Michigan for the wonderful care they have given.

   Memorial contributions can be given to Hospice of Michigan, 604 W. Main St, Ste. A, Gaylord, MI 49735 or the 82^nd Airborne Division, 426 E. State Street, Traverse City, MI 49685.

   Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.