George H. Metzger

George Metzger, 89, of Bucyrus, died Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at Altercare of Bucyrus. 

George was born November 27, 1934 at home in rural Bucyrus to the late Ray and Mary (Fritz) Metzger. He was a 1954 graduate of Bucyrus High School and proudly served in the Army National Guard. George began working with the Norfolk & Western Railroad for a period before becoming a Fireman, where he worked for about five years. His calling led him back to the railroad, working 30 years and retiring as a train engineer. 

George married Helena (Haygis) in March of 1979 and she survives. They enjoyed many great times over their 45 years of marriage including many trips to Amish Country as well as many travels around the state on their motorcycle.

One rarely caught George sitting still and he could often be found feeding the birds or tending to the flowers around their home. Following retirement, he did several things to keep busy such as driving folks around town for SCAT, was known as the “shoe boy” at Suburban Lanes and helped to get the carts ready for fellow golfers at the Golf Club of Bucyrus. To say George liked the game of golf is a bit of an understatement! He played in various leagues and outings, often swinging the club four to five rounds a week. George has even carded not one, but two holes in one, a feat unknown by many golfers. Some of his other hobbies include playing cards as well as an occasional trip to the casino. He was a member of the Moose Lodge 669, American Legion Post 181 and obviously the Golf Club of Bucyrus. Of everything that George did, he did for one reason and that was to be around others as he was happiest being around people, especially his family.

George is survived by wife, Helena; children, Randall Metzger and wife Patti, Rebecca Gerhart-Christenson and husband David, Christina Reffey and husband David and Paul Metzger; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; stepsons, Robert Lacey and wife Monica and Alan Lacey and wife Kathleen; three step grandchildren and seven step great-grandchildren; brother, James Metzger and sisters, Francis Way and Bonnie Whited as well as many nieces and nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by a step-grandson; Robert, Donald and Ralph Metzger and sisters, Genevieve Kronenberger and Waunita Howard and son-in-law, Charles Gerhart.

His family invites all to a gathering to celebrate his life from 2 – 4 pm Saturday, October 12 at Wise Funeral Service. George will be privately inurned in the Oakwood Cemetery Columbarium.

If desired, donations can be made payable to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Humane Society Serving Crawford County and these gifts will be accepted through the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook.