GEORGE W. DEBEER, age 86, of Worthington, died Sunday, October 26, 2008, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne. He was born September 28, 1922, in Lyon County, IA, near Ellsworth, MN, to Will and Aafke (Harms) DeBeer. George grew up and attended country school in Midland Township. He was baptized & confirmed at the Bethel Reformed Church. George served his country in the United States Navy during WWII. His ship, the USS St. Lo, was the first US ship to be sunk by kamikaze pilots. He was rescued after spending several days in the water. George married Darleene H. Stirler on January 4, 1945, at the Presbyterian Church in Rushmore. After their marriage, the couple lived in Sioux City, IA, then moved to Worthington, and later moved to Slayton. In 1964, they moved to Worthington. George worked for over thirty years at Production Credit Association in Worthington & Slayton. In the 1980?s George & Darleene began wintering in Texas. He was an active member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Worthington; the Worthington Elks; the Worthington Country Club; and the Worthington American Legion & VFW. He enjoyed playing cards, cribbage & golf. George is survived by his two daughters, Deborah (Tony) Upkes, Harrisburg, SD; and Linda DeBeer, Horizon, TX; seven grandchildren, Toby, Taya & Tucker Upkes; and Ian, Nigel, Robert Cory & Abbigail Mulgrave; three sisters-in-law, Ida DeBeer, Ellsworth; Vera DeBeer, Rock Rapids, IA; and Audrey DeBeer, Rock Rapids, IA; and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Darleene, on November 25, 1999; six brothers, Harm, Otto, Joe, Bronno, Wessel, Lawrence & William DeBeer; and two sisters, Grace & Gertie DeBeer.

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