George Raymond Bihrer

Veteran of World War II and Korean War George Raymond Bihrer was born July 1, 1926 in Odebolt, Iowa to John and Alice Bihrer. He joined brother, Martin, and sister, Helen. Over the next several years, 5 more sisters completed the familyKatherine, Dorothy Ann, Janet and Joyce”the twins”, and Sharon. As World War II was unfolding, George felt drawn to enlist in the service, at only 17 years old, he needed his mother’s signature to go. In 1943, with his parent’s permission, George enlisted into the United States Navy. He was sent to radio operating school in Wisconsin, and then he was placed on a frigate ship as well as air craft carrier, serving in the pacific fleet. In March 1946, he accepted Christ on the ship coming back from the Philippine Islands. He had been overseas nearly 24 months. At the end of WWII, he went to San Francisco. In July 1947, he left full time service and went into the reserve force. During that time I went to college for two years. In 1950, when the Korean War broke out, he made the decision to return to active duty with the United States Navy. Over the next several years, he returned to the pacific fleet supporting the troops in Korea. At the completion of the Korean War, he returned to port in Bremerton, Washington. He remained on reserve duty with the Navy. He found a church home at Seattle First Church of the Nazarene. He completed his business college degree at Seattle Pacific College. He was hired on with the City of Seattle, in the controller’s office. Seattle First Church continued to be his church home and he developed many strong relationshipsincluding one to Eileen Harter. After a short courtship, George asked Eileen for her hand in marriage. On August 21, 1959, George and Eileen wed at Seattle First Church. Having a family was a dream they both had. On August 27th, 1962 Barbara Denise was born! She was a blessing for George and Eileen. A short sixteen months later, Beverly Joann joined her sister Barbara. Two little girls in a very short order! George continued to work for the City of Seattle until 1976 when he was eligible for retirement. He then pursued a position with the Internal Revenue Service. His service with the Navy continued on in the reserve duty, obligating him one weekend a month as well as an annual two week active duty requirement. In 1986, George retired from the US Navy reserve. In 1989, he retired from the IRS. George and Eileen had settled in a home in Lynnwood, Washington regularly attending Aurora Church of the Nazarene. They both worked tirelessly helping out anyway they could with the churchkitchen, banquets, general assembly, funerals, and weddings. George enjoyed his responsibilities counting money one Sunday each month. In 2011, George and Eileen decided it was time to sell their home. They moved to Bellingham, Washington to be closer to Barbara and live in the Parkway Chateau retirement community. As previously demonstrated, George and Eileen made friends where ever they went. Although living in Bellingham for a short period of time, they made it their home. On November 14, 2013, our dad left our world and joined his heavenly family. He passed away peacefully at the Whatcom Hospice House, Bellingham, Washington. He is survived by the love of his life, Eileen (Harter) Bihrer and daughter Barbara (Bihrer) Brownegrandson Adam Browne, daughter Beverly (Bihrer) Hollandhusband Scott, sons Daniel, Sam and Aaron; sistersKatherine Pearson, Janet Dummer, and Sharon Dempsey. Farewell Tribute Information Services will be held at Aurora Church of the Nazarene in Shoreline, WA on Saturday, November 23rd at 1:00 pm. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Whatcom Hospice House, Bellingham, Washington.

George Raymond Bihrer

July 1, 1926 - November 14, 2013