George Zuverink

George was born on August 20, 1924, in Holland, MI, to George and Jennie Zuverink. He was the fifth of eight children, with three sisters and four brothers. He and his beloved wife, Betty, lived in Tempe for 42 years. As a young boy, George had a love of baseball and a dream to play for the Detroit Tigers. In high school, his pitching record was a dismal 0-7, which did little to facilitate his dream. While serving in the Army Air Corps, during WW II, he was pitching in the Philippines and caught the eye of a baseball scout. The rest is history. He enjoyed a fourteen-year career in professional baseball; six in the minors and eight in the majors. He often referred to it as the “best job in the world”. He played for Cleveland, Detroit, and Baltimore and felt it a privilege, being forever thankful for the opportunity. After baseball, he pursued a twenty-five year career selling life insurance for Banker’s Life Nebraska. George had a quick but quirky sense of humor. Once, when asked his and his wife's favorite song, he answered, "The Star Spangled Banner, it’s played at all sporting events." For a number of years he refereed basketball, volleyball, and umpired baseball. Upon retirement, he took up golf and did well. He had two holes-in-one and so enjoyed the sport, as well as the camaraderie of the different foursomes he played with. His love of others was evident in his passion for giving blood. He donated gallons of blood over the years and encouraged others to do so as well. George loved to sing, and for many years he sang bass in his church choirs, as well as serving as a volunteer in many capacities. At the time of his death, he was a member of Arizona Community Church and a faithful attendee of the Lifesavers Sunday School Class and the InJoy Senior’s group. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dawn. He is survived by his wife, Betty; his son David (Christie); five grandchildren, Heath, Candice, Jennifer, Melanie, Dylan; six great-grand-children; his sister, Bernice (Bing); brother Gordon (Mary); and a large extended family. George loved God, family, and country. We will miss him and rest in the knowledge we’ll see him again when we get to heaven and join in the celebration of praise to our heavenly Father forever. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Arizona Community Church, Tempe AZ, on September 27, at 1:00 p.m. Gravesite services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley or Arizona Community Church. www.greenacresmortuary.net