Winnebago - George W. Bell, 85, of Winnebago, died Thursday, March 10, 2016, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born January 1, 1931, in Polo, the son of Alonzo and Mamie (Cox) Bell. Graduated from Polo High School and then served in the U.S. Army as Corporal, serving from July 12, 1948 to April 23, 1952 during the Korean War, having received the Purple Heart award among several other awards. George married Marlene Swank on June 28, 1952, in Freeport. He was a mail carrier for the Rockford Post Office, and then became the postmaster for the Winnebago Post Office on April 1, 1970, retiring in 1990. George served on the Winnebago School Board for many years and was a member of the Eugene J. Barloga Post No. 197 American Legion, Pecatonica and the VFW Post 8455, Polo. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, mowing, and traveling across the country in his RV with his wife.
George is lovingly survived by his wife, Marlene; children, Geolene (Steve) Spiker of Byron; Jeff Bell of Rockford; Julie (Pat) Eytalis of Rockford, Jim Bell of Pecatonica, and John Bell of Machesney Park; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; four brothers; and two sisters.
Funeral Information
Service at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 17, 2016, in Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago, with visitation from noon until service time; Pastor Tim Spickler, of New Life Bible Church, Winnebago, will officiate. Burial in Winnebago Cemetery.
