George Leon Searfoss

George Leon Searfoss, 76, of Elkhart, passed into peace at the Center for Hospice Care on July 7, 2023 after bravely battling cancer for three years.

George was born in South Bend, Indiana on April 7, 1947 to the late Harold and Rose (Palmero) Searfoss. George attended and graduated from St. Joseph High School in South Bend, Indiana and St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. George earned an Associates Degree in Labor Studies from Indiana University, South Bend, later in life.

George was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served his country as an infantryman during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1971.

After being discharged, George worked in sales for the Sunoco Oil Company, as a Train Master and Safety Supervisor for Conrail, and as a member of the Labor Studies Department at Indiana University, South Bend.

George was a devout Catholic and member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church for over 40 years. He spent many hours volunteering for veteran organizations, enjoying time with his family and friends, and reading his favorite books. George was a very proud Grandpa and loved visiting his grandchildren who live in different states as well as spending time with his grandchildren      who live locally. The love and caring that he extended to everyone in his life on a daily basis was truly his greatest gift.

George is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sylvia (Ludwig), his children: George Jr. (Katina) Searfoss of South Bend, Ileana (Eric) Reed of Sugarloaf, California, Henry Searfoss of Elkhart, Edward (Patricia) Searfoss of Phoenix, Arizona, Isaac Searfoss of Mishawaka, Renee​ (Andrew Busch) Searfoss of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Gabrielle (David) Mieher of Loveland, Ohio, and beloved grandchildren. George is preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Theodore, David, Thomas, and James; and grandson, Andrew.

A celebration of George’s life will be held from 5 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home on Thursday, July 13, 2023. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023.

Memorial gifts may be made in George’s name to the Center for Hospice Care, 22579 Old U.S. 20 East, Elkhart, Indiana 46516

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Leon Searfoss, please visit our floral store.