George Washburn Fish

George Washburn Fish, 77, of Platte, SD passed away Sunday, December 6, 2020 at Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center in Sioux Falls, SD. A Public Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday, December 10, 2020 at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Platte. A Private Family Funeral Service will be held at the church at 10:00 A.M. Friday, December 11, 2020. A Private Family Committal Service will follow at Platte City Cemetery. The Funeral will be live-streamed on “Bethel Church of Platte, SD” and “Mount Funeral Homes” Facebook pages, also under “Photos and Videos” in George’s record on the funeral home website.

George Washburn Fish was born on June 30, 1943 to George W. Fish, Sr. and Theresa V. (Cleveland) Fish in Platte, SD. He graduated from Platte High School in 1961 and went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Ag from South Dakota State University in 1963. George was a lifelong farmer, but also a skilled welder. He was employed by Topps Manufacturing for 18 years building Retrievers.

On January 5, 1973 George was united in marriage to Karen Jean Beukelman in Leota, MN.

Active in his church and community, George was a member of Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church, Gideons, Farm Bureau, and served his state as a member of the South Dakota Army National Guard. He joined with Duane Strand in making wooden toy cars for children. He enjoyed flying, received his private pilot license and participated in Flying Farmers. George liked the challenge of completing Sudoku puzzles and saw the world through a camera lens as he pursued his love of photography. George was a kind, gentle man of few words with an unwavering faith and love of family.

Grateful for having shared in George’s life: his wife of over 47 years, Karen Fish of Platte, SD; two daughters, a daughter-in-law and eight grandchildren: Theresa (Dave) Barnes of Yankton, SD - Caleb, Luke, Calli and Nathan; Colleen (Keith) Hurlbut of Carrington, ND - Alex, Isaac and Natalie; Steph Fish of Columbia Heights, MN - Kyla; a sister, Jeune (Richard) Nicolai of Watertown, SD; two brothers-in-law, Kenneth (Barb) Beukelman of Burnsville, MN and Keith (Roberta) Beukelman of Sioux Falls, SD; a sister-in-law, Kathy (Hal) Davenport of Sioux Falls, SD; along with many nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in death by: his son, Timothy Fish; his parents, George W. Fish, Sr. and Theresa Fish; infant grandsons, Jon and Jonah Barnes; his daughter, Nicole Westerhuis and her four children: Michael, Connor, Jaeci and Kailey Westerhuis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in George’s honor may be directed to: Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church, 300 W. 7th St., Platte, SD 57369 or Gideons, PO Box 223, Platte, SD 57369.