George James Starcevich, 1918-2008

The Daily Iowegian - 11 December 2008

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  George Starcevich, age 90 of Centerville, Iowa died Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville.
  George was born February 24, 1918, the son of Matt and Mary Starcevich in Jerome, Iowa. George graduated from Mystic High School in 1936, Coe College in 1940 where he was Captain of the football team. Then served in the US Navy as a Chief Specialist A during WWII. While in the Navy George worked as a physical therapist rehabilitating the war wounded and also was the catcher/co-captain of the Navy All-Star Baseball Team. While working, George received his master’s degree in Education from Drake University in 1952. George married Sheila Hannam August 17, 1949 at St. Patrick’s Church in Melrose, Iowa. He was affiliated with School Systems for 34 years, employed as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent for 26 years. George started his career teaching one year in Cincinnati, one year in the Lovilla schools. Then moved to State Center, Iowa where he was a teacher, coach and principal. George and Sheila then moved to Dallas, Iowa where he was a Superintendent for five years. George later served seven years as the Superintendent at the Fox Valley Schools.
  George spent one year as the elementary principal of Moravia Schools. In 1965, he became Superintendent of Appanoose County, then later adding Monroe and Wayne Counties. George worked briefly for Rathbun Rural Water, then spent 1976-1978 as Superintendent of Coon Rapids Schools. He retired in 1981 after ending his career as Superintendent of Fremont, Iowa Schools. George and Sheila bought their farm west of Centerville in 1956. He enjoyed farming, playing ball, riding horses, spending time with family and friends. George was a member of St. Francis Church in Mystic and then St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centerville. He was a 4th Degree Knight and Faithful Navigator in the Knights of Columbus, as well as a District Director for the organization. George was also a member of Rotary Club of Coon Rapids, Lions Club and President of Mystic Alumni, and Mystic American Legion.
  George is survived his wife Sheila; children, JoAnn (Jim) Wakefield of Oskaloosa, Iowa, M. Jean Starcevich (and the late John Card) of Los Gatos, California, Jim (Sandi) Starcevich of Monroe, Iowa, Sheila Jane Starcevich and Dr. Howard Freedman of South Lake Tahoe. Calif., and Joe (Felicia) Starcevich of Centerville, Iowa; and six grandchildren, Kelli, Abby, Kerri, Tatum, Olivia and Michael and brother Mick and his wife Ann Starcevich of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
  He was preceded in death by five brothers and sisters, John (Ruth) Starcevich, Mary (Tom) Kruzich, Matt (Clem) Starcevich, Ann (Gerald) Vinton; and a son-in-law John Card.
  Mass of the Resurrection will be held Saturday morning 11 AM, December 13, 2008 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Dennis Schaab C.PP.S officiating. The family will gather at the Lange Funeral Home from 6-8PM with a Rosary Service at 7pm and a Military Service at 7:30 PM. Cremation was accorded as the family’s wishes.
  A memorial has been established to The George Starcevich Memorial Scholarship Fund, Indian Hill Community College or the Centerville High School Booster Club and may be left or mailed to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544.