George Richard Sasz

On Saturday November 23rd, George Richard Sasz left this earth to meet his heavenly Father, surrounded by family, friends and his faithful dog Jake. He was born to Czechoslovakian immigrants, Michael & Mary Fedor Sasz on April 24, 1927, in Donora, Pennsylvania. George grew up with his brother Joseph, sisters Martha, Mary & Gertrude. As a young man, he worked in the steel mills and after leaving high school, enlisted in the US Army. George’s military career began in Fort Dix, New Jersey in the infantry. He was later trained as a radio interceptor operator and served overseas during the occupation of Germany. From there he was assigned to embassies in Iran and Rome Italy. While in the middle east, George learned how to play the game of golf which became an important part of his life. He met and married Betty Beck in Iran and while in Rome they welcomed a son Michael. When the family returned stateside to Fort Devens, Massachusetts, George became an instructor for the operator school. He served his country for 21 years and retired with the rank of Master Sergent.

The family moved to Mountain Home, ID where he and Betty later divorced. George worked as a dorm supervisor at the Job Corps, then began his second career working civil service for the United States Air Force. He retired from civil service after 26 years in 1987.

At the urging of mutual friends, he met and later married his second wife Karen (McMurtrey) Jarrell. That union included 4 new daughters, who he accepted as his own from day one. He was never thought of as a stepdad, but instead the dad who stepped up. In their 43 years together, Karen & George thoroughly enjoyed the second chance they were both given at marriage. When Karen was diagnosed with dementia, their whole world changed forever. George was a tireless caregiver who took care of her every need until the day she passed.

George enjoyed horseshoes, bowling, playing softball and horseracing. Watching the horses run was something he and mom looked forward to each year. You could find him at the track pacing up and down the rail until post time. Once the race was on, he could not contain his enthusiasm, especially when he got to celebrate a victory.

His real passion was golf. George spent countless hours practicing, playing men’s league & competing in tournaments. Pop loved the game and the many life-long friendships he cultivated on the course.

He is survived by his son Michael Sasz and his wife Carolyn, daughter Terri Manduca, granddaughter Rachel Krogman, her husband Wade and daughter Madison, several nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

At 97, George lived a full and productive life. A devote Catholic, his faith gave him strength which carried him through to his very last day. We are forever grateful he remained at home and his wishes were made whole. Thank you to the staff at Horizon Hospice and to all our friends & neighbors who helped make that happen.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you donate in George’s name to the Youth Golf Program at Desert Canyon Golf Course checks payable to T.J. Gomez golf Pro.