George Francis Havelka

OTTAWA – George F. Havelka, age 93, of Ottawa, formerly of Stickney, IL passed away November 10, 2015 peacefully at his home.

A service to remember George’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 19, at First United Methodist Church in Ottawa with Pastor Cheri Stewart officiating. Inurnment will be in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Stickney, Il. Visitation will be one half hour prior to services at First United Methodist Church.

George was born July 21, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of George and Gertrude (Stich) Havelka.  He married Kohar Shamlian March 6, 1948 at the Warren Park Presbyterian Church in Cicero.  She preceded him in death April 11, 2013.  Surviving are two children, Paul Havelka of Ottawa and George (Barb Regan) Havelka of Los Gatos, CA; and two brothers, Ken (Bonnie) Havelka of Yorkville, IL and Wayne (Doris) Havelka of Phoenix, AZ.  Also surviving are four grandchildren, Max Havelka, Casey (John) Butler, and Koban and Adrienne Havelka.  George was preceded in death by a son, David Martin Havelka, and two sisters, Charmaine Hogan and Marilyn Donovan.

Before retirement, George owned and operated the Heger Travel Bureau in Cicero, Il. George was past Cub Scout Master and Boy Scout Master for Troupe 37 in Stickney, IL.  He was also past president of Stickney Forrest View Lions Club, and of the Rotary Club in Cicero, IL, a member of the Ottawa American Legion, and a member of the Ottawa Lions Club. George was an honored WWII veteran in the United States Army serving in the 8th Infantry Division and a recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to First United Methodist Church or St. Joachim and Ann Armenian Church at 12600 S. Ridgland Ave., Palos Heights, Il, 60463.