George W. Sedgwick

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George W. Sedgwick, age 81, of Kendallville, passed away December 8, 2024, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Mr. Sedgwick was born in Kendallville, Indiana on November 28, 1943, to the late James Benjamin Sedgwick and Norine Marshall (Baughman) Sedgwick.

As a child, George grew up in Rome City, Indiana in a small stone house that his father J.B. built. George graduated high school in 1962 as a star athlete holding many sports records including track and field; baseball; and basketball leading the team to a county championship in 1961. And he was also proud of his baseball team winning three consecutive county championships. 

George was married to his wife, Karen Kraner, for more than 62 years. He was extremely proud of his family, and it was important for him to spend time taking vacations across the globe and enjoying time with them. George also had a very close relationship with his only grandchild, Toriah, and was immensely proud when his great granddaughter, Ginny, was born. 

In 1940, Sedgwick Seawall Construction was established by his father J.B. Sedgwick. In 1972, George took over the family business being handed the information in a tiny cigar box while all along working full-time in the shipping department at Newnam‘s Foundry for 20 years. 

George worked up until the day he passed away and was a caring mentor to the many crew members that he had employed throughout the years, as if they were his own children. His work ethic that he instilled in his children, grandchildren, nephews, etc. was immeasurable. 

Whether it was a Friday night game at East Noble watching boys' basketball, or at a restaurant, or job site, George never knew a stranger. He was a well-respected businessman and friend throughout the community. We used to joke when we went anywhere that George would run into someone that knew him…and he usually would.

We will always miss George’s laugh, his hugs, and the love that was always shining in his eyes for his family and friends. Thank you, George, for your love and protection.  You will always be missed.

Survivors include:
Wife, Karen Sedgwick of Kendallville.
Son, Thomas Sedgwick and his husband, Michael Levine of Poughkeepsie, New York.
Daughter, Karla and David Fiffick of Desert Hot Springs, California.
Daughter, Sandra and Mickey Rainey of Fort Wayne.
Granddaughter, Toriah and Spencer Jones of Kendallville and their daughter, great granddaughter, Ginny Jones.
Brother, Robert Sedgwick of Del Mar, California.

George was preceded in death by his parents, James and Norine Sedgwick; son-in-law, David Nowels in 2004; and two sisters, Sally Mouw and Virginia Bower. 

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 13, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home with brother-in-law, John Maxson and son-in-law, Michael Levine conducting the service.
Burial will follow at Orange Cemetery near Rome City. Casket bearers will be Tom Sedgwick, Michael Levine, David Fiffick, Mickey Rainey, Spencer Jones, Kent Kraner. 
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rome City Elementary School Student Needs Fund. 

The funeral service for George will be livestreamed Friday on the Hite Funeral Home Facebook page.

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