George Menzik

On Jan. 23, 2013, George Michael Menzik, surrounded by his loving wife and five children, passed away after a long illness.

George was born May 29, 1935, to Mary and George Kovick in Dowell, Ill. When George was 18 months old, his father passed away. His mother married John Menzik in 1940, who then adopted George and his sister, Julie Anne They lived in Illinois until George was 17. He graduated from Southwestern High School in Detroit, Michigan in 1954, and enlisted in the United States Air Force.

George trained and served as an administrative specialist. His assignments included: Nouasseur Air Force Base in Casablanca, Morocco; Lincoln Air Force Base in Nebraska; March Air Force Base in Riverside, Calif.; Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Germany; Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colo.; Technical Operations Squadron Headquarter Command in Pinedale, Wyo.; Nha Trang and Phan Rang Air Forces Bases in Vietnam; Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma, and finally, Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.

During his assignment at March AFB, George met and married Monica Mellen of Los Angeles, Calif. Together they had five children.

In 1974, after 20 years of honorable service, George retired from the Air Force and became a police officer for the City of Glenns Ferry.

In 1975, he became a Deputy Sheriff for Elmore County, where he served for 11 years. George was then given the opportunity to work as the Chief of Police in Aberdeen, Idaho, where he served until 1996.

George and Monica returned to their home in Glenns Ferry, overlooking the Snake River. During their retirement they traveled together and enjoyed life with adventures around every corner. There was never a dull moment.

George was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer and a master woodworking craftsman.

His service to his community was not limited to employment. He was a Hunter Education Instructor for 30 years with the State of Idaho, coached youth sports, and was involved with Boy Scouting and Camp Fire Girls. He volunteered to serve on the 911-E Committee and the Glenns Ferry Museum Board. He was a member of the Glenns Ferry Lions Club, the VFW and Our Lady of Limerick Catholic Church Committee.

George is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Monica, his children, Mary Evelyn Moulton, of Vernal, Utah, Michel and her husband, James Ruud, of Waterville, Wash., Patricia and her husband, David Shrum, of Boise, John and his wife, Kelly Menzik, of Marysville, Wash., and Steven and his wife, Cynia Menzik, of Iowa Park, Texas. George was blessed with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, whom he adored.

His parents, his sister and a grandson preceded him in death.

A rosary will be held on Thursday, Jan. 31, at 6 p.m. at the Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel. Services for George Menzik are set for Friday, Feb. 1, at Our Lady of Limerick Catholic Church in Glenns Ferry, beginning at 10 a.m. Inurnment will be conducted at the Idaho Veterans Cemetery, in Boise, at a later date.

Donations can be made, on George's behalf, at U.S. Bank to a scholarship fund established for Glenns Ferry High School students interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.