Georgia L. Bednarek

Georgia Bednarek was born November 24, 1922, in Portage Wisconsin, the daughter of Reverend William Mehn and Hedwig Butenhoff Mehn. She graduated valedictorian from her high school in Norwalk, Wisconsin, and earned a BA degree in zoology from North Central College in Napierville, Illinois, in 1944. She served during WWII in the US Navy as a member of the WAVES, working in the hospital corps in the Boston area, from 1944 to 1946. Georgia graduated from a one year program in Medical Technology at the Northwestern University School of Medicine, subsequently working in hospitals in Ripon, Wisconsin; Madison, Wisconsin; and Chicago, Illinois. She was the technologist assisting with the first cardiac catheterizations done at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Georgia married Dr. Thomas Bednarek January 21, 1956, at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. Their son Joseph was born in 1958, and the family moved to Billings, Montana, in 1960. Tom worked as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist in private practice, while Georgia kept the household and was active with many local organizations. The family were members of St Patrick's for many years. Tom passed away in 2002, and Georgia moved to Denver in 2007, to be close to Joe and his family. In Denver, she lived in a senior apartment complex where she was very popular and made many friends. She suffered a general decline in her health the last couple years of her life, but remained involved with and interested in her family. She passed away peacefully June 11, 2014, with her family present. Georgia is survived by her son Joe, daughter in law Jill, and three grandchildren Claire and Luke (twins, age 17) and John (age 14). Her brothers Bud, Howard, and Duane, and her sister Virginia, preceded her in death. She has 34 nieces and nephews. Georgia will be greatly missed. She had an engaging smile and easy laughter, and people liked her. She was naturally caring and empathic, and through the years many family members benefitted from her generosity and hospitality. All of us are grateful for the fond memories of family reunions she was instrumental in organizing, and many of us – old and young – were extended a helping hand in time of need. She loved to play and have fun, up to a very advanced age. Georgia was dedicated and loyal, with a streak of mischief just under the surface. Even after age had robbed her of her creativity and insight, and ultimately her independence, her warmth and smile persisted. There was still a depth to her eye contact in her last moments, before finally lapsing into a coma 2 days before she died. We miss you Georgia. Please share your memories of Georgia and condolences with her family by signing the guestbook.