WAKEFIELD, Mich. - George William Karling, 96, of Wakefield, died peacefully on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

George was born on April 22, 1930, in Wakefield, a son of George Mathew and Vienna Maria (Lowney) Karling. He attended school in Wakefield and graduated in 1948.

He also attended Gogebic Community College in the building trades.

George married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Cassietto, on Aug. 18, 1951.

He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Mary Ann; four children, Emilie (Richard) Krznarich, Dr. George (Mary) Karling, Mary Ann (Paul) Swanson and Carol Krost (Jim Biagini); 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in death by his parents, and six siblings, Nona, Mary Ann, John, George Allen, Elaine and James, in infancy.

George worked at the Sunday Lake Mine until it closed and then worked at the White Pine Copper Mine until his retirement in 1989. Following retirement, he and Mary Ann enjoyed traveling to visit family around the country. They loved to dance and traveled to polka dances in Upper Michigan and Wisconsin. George was an avid hunter and fisherman, and especially enjoyed the time he spent at his cottage on Lake Gogebic. George loved to regale friends and family with stories about his youth and his time in the mines. He was a voracious reader and had a keen sense of humor, and his favorite sayings will always be remembered.

Services will be held at a future date.

The family would like to especially thank the staff at Gogebic Medical Care Facility for the wonderful care they provided George.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.