Obituary of George R. Niskala

George R. “Sonny” Niskala- age 94

George was born in Ely, Minnesota to Mary and George Niskala on June 14, 1930. George attended Ely Memorial High School and later graduated from Tooele High School in 1948 after his family moved to Utah. 

George obtained his undergraduate degree from Utah State University with a Bachelors of Science in Forestry Management. He was a proud US Army veteran serving in Korea. While stationed in California, he met his future wife Juanita Tolentino.  They married in 1957 and shared 57 years of love and happiness together.

After his military service George continued his higher education at Montana State University.  He received a Masters of Science in Forestry.  George was employed by the federal government in forestry and retired at age 55 with 30 years of service. During those years he was promoted often, and lived in a total of seven different states.  After his retirement, he worked as a land management consultant and earned his teaching certificate to teach science and secondary education in the state of Illinois.  He also studied and was certified to officiate in both football and basketball. He officiated for approximately six years.

George and Juanita embarked on a lifelong dream to design and build their homes in Carbondale, Illinois and Ely, Minnesota.  Dad had bought some Lakeshore property on White Iron Lake. His dad had an old house and thought they could move it to their property during the winter, which they did. George and Juanita converted the home into a cabin where they had great views of the forest and the bay.  The house in Carbondale, Illinois was a pre-fab home that was built with a lot of sweat by Jaunita, Mary and Robin over many hours.  It was a true test of a marriage.

Throughout his life, George was an avid reader and swimmer. He was passionate about painting, gardening, hunting, and traveling. He also enjoyed playing and teaching his grandkids card games, especially cribbage.  Later in life, he wrote 3 books about his life experiences and family. 

The family vacationed in South Bethany Beach, Delaware and Palm Springs, CA. George and Juanita traveled extensively visiting many states from coast to coast as well as Spain, Italy, Canada, Alaska, and the Caribbean.   

George was an active member of the Lutheran Church. He loved his family very much. He is survived by his daughters Mary Ann Moore (Kevin), Robin Milne (Richard), son John, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters. 

The memorial is private as per his wishes.