George Eisenhut of Turlock passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday May 3, 2012, while holding the hand of his only child, John. Six years ago the love of his life, Mildred Eisenhut, passed, and he was greatly comforted in his last days at the idea of reuniting with her in the afterlife.
Mildred and George were married for 67 wonderful years. Their wedding ceremony took place in the Turlock Presbyterian Church where they met, courted, consecrated their vows, baptized their son, grandson, granddaughter, and lived fully the vibrant social life they enjoyed together.
Though he married a local farmer's daughter and lived the life of a Turlock small farmer, he was not born into rural life. Rather, in great contrast, he was born and raised as a city boy 100 miles east in San Francisco to German-speaking parents. Instead of milking cows and feeding chickens as his wife did in her childhood years, he could be found selling copies of the Examiner to businessmen commuting to work on the morning trolley. He graduated from San Francisco's Mission High School in 1928 and worked his way through college to earn his degree in education from San Francisco State Teacher's College in 1935. His first job after graduation was at Lowell School in Turlock in 1936.
George called Turlock his home since 1936. The only break from that streak was during times of war. He enlisted in the Army in 1942 and returned in 1946 from Japan as a Captain. At this reunion, he first laid eyes on his son. In 1950, George was recalled and left behind his family to serve his country in Korea. He didn't return until 1952. Upon his return, he was hired as the Stanislaus Union School District Superintendent/Principal. Also, he moved to the grape and almond farm which he cultivated for the rest of his long life.
In 1970 George retired as Superintendent of Stanislaus Union School District. His exemplary service to the district was honored on March 5, 1978 when Eisenhut Elementary School was named in his honor. No less significantly his grandson, Steven, was born on the same day.
His only son John moved back to Turlock after serving in Vietnam, getting married and attending graduate school. John and Cindy settled on a farm nearby and started a family life with the love and support of George and Mildred. Since then, George and John worked together to grow grapes and then almonds. These years of retirement allowed George and Mildred to travel extensively.
2006 was a tumultuous year for George. He broke his hip and lost his life partner. His hip healed but his heart never did - he pined for Mildred, an amazing kindergarten teacher, mother and grandmother, every day. But he still lived life exactly as he saw fit. Typical afternoons would find him outside with his dog Fritz , and with his age in the triple digits, he could be sighted driving, using a valid DMV driver's license.
George was preceded in death by a brother and four sisters. He is survived by his sister Florence Eisenhut Velthoen of Modesto, a son John (Cindy) Eisenhut of Turlock, grandchildren Steven and Gretchen, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be conducted at First Presbyterian Church, Turlock at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 10th. Remembrances should be made to Planned Parenthood or to First Presbyterian Church Turlock Memorial Fund.

Turlock Journal,
Saturday, May 5, 2012