George Hightdudis

George Hightdudis age 75, left this world Saturday, January 27, 2007 at Aurora Medical Center. George, the only child of Greek immigrant parents, Gust and Despina Mourmouris Hightdudis, was born August 19, 1931 in Neenah although he was a Menasha resident during his youth. He graduated from Menasha H. S. in 1949 as homecoming king, football captain, senior citizenship award and senior class president. He worked at Gilbert Paper mill until the following August (1950) when he along with other National Guard members enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the outbreak of the Korean War. After completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base San Antonio, George was sent to electronics school (radar) in Biloxi, Miss. then assigned to two years at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks Alaska where he was also able to play football for 2 seasons. After his tour of duty in Alaska he was transferred to Hunter AFB in Savannah, GA. where he was discharged after his four year military duty in August 1954.Thanks to the GI Bill, he enrolled at UW-Oshkosh. He played football at UW-Oshkosh from 1954-1957, was team captain, most valuable player and earned the nickname Terrible Titan. After graduation, he married Ruth Hornbeck on June 14, 1958. In 2003, he was inducted into the UW-Oshkosh Athletic Hall of Fame.Georges first teaching job was in Marion WI. where he taught H.S. History, biology, Phy. Ed. and coached football, track, and stared the wrestling program. After receiving his Master Degree at UW-Madison, he became a guidance counselor. In 1964 the family moved to Abbotsford, Wis. where George took a job as H.S. principal, guidance director and athletic director. After 2 years he became Superintendent of schools. The family moved to Oshkosh in October 1970 when George took a job with CESA 13, headquartered in Waupun, as assistant administrator and 2 federal projects spanning 6 years which received state and national attention. In 1977, George was offered a new position with the Oshkosh Area School District as Assistant to the Superintendent. In 1985, George was transferred to North H.S. as Assistant Principal where he retired in 1990 at age 58.From 1980-2000 he and the family enjoyed camping at Pearl Lake Campsites in Red Granite. His family was the most important thing to him. He had a passion for life long learning in addition to his interests also included history, outdoors and sports where he cheered on the Badgers and the Green Bay Packers. He a was a past member of the Marion/Abbotsford Lions Club, Oshkosh Early Morning Kiwanis, past board member of the UW-Oshkosh Alumni Association, Board Member of the National O Club and a member of the American Legion.George is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ruth. 5 Children: William (Gina) Hightdudis of Oak Creek, Bradley (Jennifer) Hightdudis of Wauwatosa, Blake (Emma) Hightdudis of Watertown, Lizbeth (Scott) Marshek of Kansas City, MO and Rebecca (Peter) Harrington of Oshkosh. 8 grandchildren: PFC Alby Hightdudis stationed in Iraq, Abigail and Angelica Hightdudis of Oak Creek, Crystal Hightdudis of Waterown, Benjamen Harrington of Oshkosh, Trevor Marshek of Kansas City, MO, Nicholas and Katherine Hightdudis of Wauwatosa. He is further survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Anita and Brian Mulherin of Augusta GA. and other relatives. He was preceded in death by 2 sons Brian Hightdudis (1963) and Benjamin Hightdudis (1978) and his parents.The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 10:30 AM at St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church, 830 S. Westhaven Dr, with Fr. Carl Schmitt officiating. Family and friends may call at the Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home (Westside) on Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 AM to the time of service. Burial will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established.

Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - Westside



100 Lake Pointe Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Tuesday, January 30, 2007
4:00 pm- 7:00 pm



St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church



830 S Westhaven Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Wednesday, January 31, 2007
9:30 AM



St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church



830 S Westhaven Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Wednesday, January 31, 2007
10:30 AM



Calvary Catholic Cemetery



Algoma Blvd
Oshkosh
WI
54901