June 22, 2023 at 3:22 p.m.
George Wyrich
George Wyrich
George was born August 3, 1929, in Milwaukee. The only child of Lillian Mueller and George E. A. Wyrich, George grew up, went to school, and worked in Milwaukee until entering the U.S. Army in the 1950s. He eventually moved to the Minocqua area and finally to Hazelhurst with his parents who ran the Slumberland Motel on Highway 51 on the south end of Minocqua.
George was generous, gentle, and creative, with a mind that turned to both art and mathematics. His creations included geodesic climbing bars — fondly remembered by young cousins visiting the motel — as well as paintings, geometric barn quilts, and road signs that can still be found throughout the greater Hazelhurst area. Later in life, George began making pinwheel whirligigs from soda cans, creating hundreds which he gave freely to friends, family and neighbors. He often had a beautiful display of them in his yard to the amusement of passersby.
George enjoyed fishing and was an avid golfer who frequented local courses including Pinewood Country Club in Harshaw. He was well known to area residents — permanent and seasonal — especially along South Shore Drive and Mill Road, often seen riding his bicycle to get around, and later in life, walking with one of his many handcrafted walking sticks. He worked for a time stocking shelves at the Hazelhurst grocery store owned by Mildred Nichols and was well known for greeting young children. He volunteered his time to help out neighbors with everything from spring and fall leaf raking, lawn mowing, painting, and repairs of equipment and structure, refusing any compensation. Late in life when he was unable to fully take care of his own home and property, neighbors and friends pitched in to do the same for him.
George was an eager conversationalist with a keen memory. Stories of his early life in Milwaukee revealed the reality of life in that growing and bustling city. Similar stories of his golfing and fishing exploits as well as memories of Hazelhurst old timers enriched many families’ histories. Before he passed, George contributed photos and information to a Wyrich family tree that will enhance the family stories of the current and future generations of descendants of German immigrant ancestors to the Milwaukee area.
George was an only child and a lifelong bachelor with no children. He is predeceased by his mother (1981) and father (1989). He is mourned by his friends and neighbors in Hazelhurst and surrounding communities, and by his cousins’ families around Wisconsin. His parting words in all seasons were “Don’t slip on the ice!”
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