George P. Oess

With his family by his side, George P. Oess, age 90, passed away peacefully at home on Friday August 28, 2026. Born July 8, 1936, he was the son of the late George W. and Esther Oess.

His lifelong pursuit of knowledge began in his hometown of Adrian, Michigan, where he graduated as valedictorian from Adrian Catholic Central High School. That achievement proudly paved the way to his beloved University of Notre Dame, an institution that would hold a special place in his heart throughout his life. After graduating Cum Laude in History and Political Science, George went on to earn his MBA from the University of Chicago and later was selected for management training at Harvard University. He honorably served in the U.S. Army attaining the rank of Captain.

Education was also a hallmark of George’s career. He spent 25 years with Western Publishing, makers of the famous Golden Books, rising from salesman to company President. He tried to retire once, but his work ethic propelled him back to the workforce, joining the Cadaco Toy Company as president and overseeing projects including the development of a board game called “What Would Jesus Do?”

While Western Publishing brought him professional fulfillment, it also brought him the love of his life. After meeting outside their boss’s office, George fell in love and married Monica Paur in Grand Haven, Michigan in August of 1970. After a few years, they moved back to Racine where they raised their three children, Jonathan, Andrea and Emily.

George’s strong faith in God was a guiding principle in his desire to lift up his community. Be it one-on-one tutoring at the Literacy Council, serving on the board of the Racine Public Library, or prayer and mentoring families with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, George brought the same passion to philanthropy as he did to the business world. He was particularly proud of the mission work he did with the Community of St. Paul, including the herd of llamas he helped deliver to families in Bolivia. He was a dedicated member of St. Richard Catholic Church, where he championed the effort to keep educating children of the neighborhood at the adjoining school.

George treasured time and travel with his family. He was unwavering in his devotion to his Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, no matter what happened during football season, and usually had faith that the Brewers could pull it off. He found joy on the golf course with his buddies, and consolation in the club house. He was a voracious reader of histories, mysteries and philosophy and he often surprised people with his quick, dry wit and impish sense of humor.

George will be dearly missed by his loving wife of fifty-six years, Monica; his children, Jonathan Oess and Andrea Oess; his cherished granddaughter Maya; sister Mary “Suzie” Kelver, brother David Oess (Bill Kiefer); sister-in-law, Julie (John) Freres; nephews, Paul (Sue) Dumouchelle, Ryan Freres, Andrew (Katie) Freres, Daniel (Jacinda) Freres, Bill (Mandy) Kelver, and Chris (Crystal) Oess; nieces Ann Marie (Don Ritchie) Dumouchelle, Denise Dumouchelle, Laura Vigil and many more relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Emily, sister Barbara Oess Dumouchelle, brother Richard Oess and sister-in-law, Kathleen Paur.

Visitation will be held at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1503 Grand Avenue, on Wednesday September 9, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to start at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the University of Notre Dame Institute for Social Concerns, the Community of St. Paul, or Habitat for Humanity of Racine and Kenosha Counties have been suggested.

The family extends a special thank you to Katie, Tracy and Nurse Jane for their loving and compassionate care.