George Pickett

George D. Pickett, 92, passed away at his home in Waukon March 28, 2022. Memorial services will be held Friday, April 8 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon with Pastor Bryan Robertson officiating. Services will be live-streamed on the Martin-Grau Funeral Home Facebook page.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 7 at St. John’s Fellowship Hall and also one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be at a future date at the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery in Preston, MN. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is assisting the family. The family asks that no flowers be given; memorials can be made to The Allamakee Music Boosters (P.O. Box 215, Waukon, IA 52172), Robey Memorial Library in Waukon, or your favorite charity.

George David Pickett was born November 13, 1929 in Preston, MN, the oldest of five children born to Esther (Utley) Pickett and Edwin “Alden” Pickett. He grew up on the family farm outside of Preston and attended Preston schools. After graduating in 1947, he joined the Air Force, serving as a staff sergeant during the Korean war.

Upon discharge he enrolled in the University of Minnesota. His field of study was dairy science - his favorite class was “Ice Cream Making”. This started a life-long quest to find the perfect soft serve cone.

He was united in marriage to Lois M. Dreyer June 30, 1956. George worked in dairy science throughout his career, most often in sales, which gave him opportunity to travel throughout the United States. His love of travel led to many adventure-filled family vacations. He and Lois also enjoyed many years traveling throughout North America.

George was an avid gardener and he gladly shared the bounties of his efforts. He was a supporter of his children’s many activities and continued to support the extracurricular activities of all Waukon students throughout his life.

He was a long-time member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon, where he served on the church council. He was also active in St. John’s music ministry, singing in the choir, and a charter member of the handbell choir, where he played for 40 years, “retiring” in 2021. George was also a member of the Kiwanis and the board of the Robey Memorial Library in Waukon.

George is survived by his children: Nancy Kay (Gina) Pickett of Milwaukee, WI, Todd David (Julie) Pickett of Eau Claire, WI, Myra Ann (Cindy) Pickett of Boulder, CO, and Thomas Alden (Nikki) Pickett of Savage, MN; five grandchildren: children of Todd and Julie are Abigail Ann and Samuel Alden, and children of Tom and Nikki are Kade Presley, Carson Paul and Carly Marie; his sister, Eunice Kistner of New Hope, MN; two brothers, William (Shirley) Pickett of Oakdale, MN and Robert (Arlouene) Pickett of Preston, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Others left to mourn are dear friends the James Bieber family, the Chad Breitsprecher family, the S&D Coffee Club, and the many neighbors who were so helpful to him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, who died in 2016; his parents; and his brother, James.

Honorary urnbearers are his grandchildren. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.