George William VanWalleghem

George Van Walleghem, a long-time resident of Grosse Pointe Woods, passed away on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. George was born in Detroit on July 18, 1929. He attended East Commerce High School in Detroit. He was 93.

George was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1952 and was promoted to the rank of sergeant while serving in the Korean Conflict in an artillery unit. After being discharged from the Army, George worked in the kitchen at Hudson’s and aspired to own his own restaurant.

In 1954 at the age of 25, George made that dream come true when he opened the Round Table Restaurant on Harper (between 8 Mile and 9 Mile) in St. Clair Shores. The Round Table soon became a local institution known for delicious home-cooked meals and a warm setting. He retired in 1996 after more than 40 years. Many of the staff at the Round Table were like family and they still get together today to reminisce about their time working there.

Not only did The Round Table provide George with a way to make a living, but there he met Miriam, his beloved wife of 63 years. When he initially remodeled the restaurant, George hired Miriam to be the interior decorator for the newly named Round Table. They were married in 1959.

George and Miriam shared a passion for collecting duck and fish decoys as well as folk art. Together over time they put together a beautiful collection that they truly enjoyed every day of their lives together. George and Miriam lent pieces to museums and exhibits, and individual pieces were frequently highlighted in books and magazine articles.

George was also a great athlete who especially loved playing and watching tennis. George could often be found playing tennis at Lochmoor Country Club where was a member for many years.

George was predeceased by his son, Ian Van Walleghem who passed away in 2002.

He is survived by his wife, Miriam; his son, Dr. Paul S. Van Walleghem and his wife, Rebecca, along with grandchildren Sarah Van Walleghem and Stephen Van Walleghem; and his daughter Anna (nee Van Walleghem) Fleckenstein and her husband, Ross, along with grandchildren Matthew Fleckenstein and Lauren Fleckenstein.

A Private Funeral Service has been planned. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested a donation be made in George’s name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at www.alzfdn.org.