George E.L. Pleines

George E.L. Pleines, 98, of Newton, formerly of Fort Dodge, died on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at Park Centre.  No services are scheduled at this time.

George, the son of Carl and Bertha (Schultz) Pleines, was born on January 28, 1922 in Nebraska. He grew up Nebraska. George served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII as a member of the 786th Tank Battalion.  He enlisted on December 4, 1942 at Fort Crook, Nebraska, was activated to duty on September 20, 1943 in Arkansas, shipped to the United Kingdom in December of 1944, and landed in France on January 22, 1945.  During his time in active duty, George was a medium tank crewman.  On May 1, 1945, his battalion ceased combat. On October 30, 1945, George was discharged from his service.

After returning from the service, George worked as a farmer for many years.  He later moved to Fort Dodge. While in Fort Dodge he did many odd jobs. On May 5, 1990, George was united in marriage to Mary Alyce (Paul) Scarbrough in Newton. They made their home in Fort Dodge.  George was a member of the St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge. George was a talented dancer and enjoyed puttering around the house. He was a member of the 2010 Honor Flight out of Fort Dodge.  A few years after Mary’s death, George moved to Newton. 

George is survived by his son, Robert (Joyce) Pleines of Lincoln, Nebraska; step-daughter, Linda (Lonnie) Davies of Newton; step-grandchildren, Rhondi Machin, Chad (Tammy) Machin, and Robin (Rich) Sly; many great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his parents; three wives; a son, Norman; siblings, Ida Pleines, Elsie Pleines, Frieda Pleines, Ruth Wittmuss, Ella Thomas, Adolph Pleines, and three sisters in infancy. 

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