George Juergens, the second-generation owner of Juergens Hardware, passed away on Aug. 14 at the age of 87. George purchased the business from his father in 1971 and was thankful to see the business into the fourth generation. He never considered working at the hardware store a job, it was a blessing. He was passionate about it.

George was a graduate of International Business College in Fort Wayne and in the Navy Reserve for eight years. He earned the Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts of America, started a Boy Scout Troop at a local Lutheran school and taught Sunday school at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, where he was also an elder. He enjoyed playing tennis, fishing, horseshoes, sailing, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

George always had a smile and you could always tell where he was if you listened for his hearty laugh. He loved giving tours of Crooked Lake on the pontoon.

George and his twin brother Jerry were born on June 3, 1936 in Fort Wayne, the sons of the late Harold and Helen (Herther) Juergens.

He was united in marriage to the late Nancy Cunningham on June 18, 1960 in Huntington. She preceded him in death March 3, 2000. He later married Judith (Hodge) Poling in Huntington. They were married for 22 years. His wife Judy survives.

Additional survivors include two children, Dan (Gina) Juergens and Cheryl (Richard) Huffman; a brother, Jerry Juergens; and Lesa Crawford, Lance Poling, Laura (Lyle) Juillerat. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Brandon (Jennifer) Juergens, Lindsay (Zach) Hittler, Joshua Huffman, Megan Huffman, Karl Huffman, Ryan (Allison) Crawford, Mark (Samantha) Crawford, Sara (Corey Tom) Crawford, Logan (Kayla) Juillerat, Lucas Juillerat and eleven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Nancy Juergens, and grandson Raymond Huffman.