George "Butch" Jacob Haggenjos , 90, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away at 5 p.m. Monday, September 20, 2021, at his home after seven-month bout with cancer.

He was born October 11, 1930, to the late Frances and George Haggenjos in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He graduated from Central Catholic in 1948, where he was Editor-in-Chief of "The Echo" Yearbook Publication.

Drafted into the military, he served his country dutifully for 3 years as a weather observer in the Air Force. Upon completing his service, he landed a job as a design and packaging engineer for General Electric, while earning an Associate's Degree in Engineering. This kicked off what would be a 39-year career at GE, earning membership in their esteemed GE Quarter Century Club.

George and Virginia "Ginny" met in High School and wed on July 7, 1951.  Together they had 8 children, Don, Diane, Linda, Dave, Dan, Andy, Rita, and Roger. They made their home in Fort Wayne, with the exception of five years in Erie, PA until 1981, when they moved to their home at Tri Lakes, Columbia City, IN.  Virginia passed away in April 2009.

George touched many lives as a faithful servant at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church in Columbia City, IN in a variety of roles over nearly 40 years. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying fishing, golfing, hunting, and bowling. Although he narrowly missed that elusive perfect 300 game, he undoubtedly knocked down more pins than he arranged in his first job as a pin-setter.

After retiring in 1990 at age 60, George spent his time volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and ABLE Families. He was instrumental making the Central Catholic Memorial Place in downtown Fort Wayne a reality.

He is survived by his children: Don (Sharon) Haggenjos of Camby, IN, Diane Mercedes of Austin, TX, Linda (Harper) Mann of Berkeley, CA, Dave Haggenjos of Fort Wayne, Dan Haggenjos of Fort Wayne, Andy (Michaelle) Haggenjos of Huntertown, IN, and Roger (Cindy) Haggenjos of Fort Wayne; his 20 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. His sisters: Arlene (John) Kiel of Fort Wayne, and Shirley Harkenrider of Fort Wayne.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Rita Ann, brothers, Tom and Bob Haggenjos and a sister Dorothy Haggenjos.

A Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 S. Line St., Columbia City. Entombment is at the Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne.  Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City and 1 hour before the service at the church.

Memorials in George's honor are to ABLE Families in Kermit, WV, Guest House in Lake Orion, MI, or St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church in Columbia City.

"Our family extends our deepest gratitude to Heart to Heart Hospice for their compassion and caring support through George's transition.  You were our guiding angels helping us through this difficult time."