George Edward Mileusnic, age 72, beloved husband, dad, papa, and true friend to many, died peacefully at home after a courageous three-year journey with cancer. George’s life was defined by love and connection: his extraordinary partnership with Marilyn, his fierce devotion to family, and his rare gift for bringing people together.

Born August 10, 1954, in Eveleth, Minnesota, George carried immense pride in his Iron Range roots. In childhood, he developed a deep sense of curiosity, a brilliant mind, and an enduring love of sports. It was also in Eveleth that he met the love of his life, Marilyn Mikkola.

George attended Carleton College, where he played football and graduated in 1976. The weekend after graduation, he and Marilyn were married in their hometown. He later earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and built an accomplished career in finance, holding leadership roles at Pillsbury, Burger King, Coleman Co. and Caribou Coffee, along with serving on several boards. He was respected for his intelligence and work ethic, but equally for the way he led. George cared as much about people as results. He listened, mentored generously and made people feel valued.

While George achieved much professionally, his greatest pride was his family. Above all was his boundless love for his bride, Marilyn. They shared an unspoken, unbroken bond, balancing each other instinctively and never losing sight of one another. Together, George and Marilyn raised four cherished children: Michael, Katie, Megan and Kyle. George coached teams, created traditions and celebrations, and filled their lives with fun while being tough when needed. He had a gift for helping his kids navigate challenges, offering thoughtful wisdom and a reassuring presence no matter what life brought.

In retirement, George and Marilyn embraced their roles as Nana and Papa to ten grandchildren. George loved nothing more than gathering his family of 19 together for friendly competition, themed outings, sporting events and kitschy family vacations. He delighted in his grandchildren’s latest interests and accomplishments, always asking thoughtful questions and cheering them on. They were an extraordinary source of pride, joy and entertainment for him.

George felt that same gratitude and gave the same boundless energy to his many cherished friendships. He connected easily across generations, backgrounds and perspectives, genuinely enjoying everyday conversations and making everyone feel welcome. He was intentional about bringing people together, whether for bags tournaments at the cabin with his Eveleth brothers, tailgates and reunions with Carleton friends, poker parties with fellow Orono dads or dinner clubs with old colleagues.

He was principled, funny, humble and ever thoughtful. He loved things that entertained, challenged and made him think, from Minnesota sports and his quest to visit every Major League Baseball ballpark to American history, travel, a good debate and a great story.

George will be truly missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

George is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Marilyn Mileusnic; sons Mike (Jacque) Mileusnic and Kyle Mileusnic; daughters Katie (Bryan) Dahl and Megan (Matt) Frank; his ten grandchildren Cecilia, Annie, George, and Thomas Mileusnic; Alice, Sarah, and Wilson Dahl; and Lettie, Kenna, and Calvin Frank; and his stepmother Jane Mileusnic, sister Natasha Mileusnic (Tom Ness) and sister-in-law Judy Mikkola (Tom Kill) . He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ruth Mileusnic.

May George rest peacefully and be remembered for his gregarious laughter, giving heart, unwavering loyalty, and his favorite reminder to always “Fire Up” and cherish each day together.

Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate George’s life at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Lake, MN, on Friday, Nov. 20th; 10 a.m. visitation and 11 a.m. service, with lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers or contributions, George had a simple request: reach out to someone you haven’t connected with in a while. Invite them for coffee or a meal, share some stories and enjoy each other’s company. It was his final reminder to make good use of our time here by investing it in the people who matter most.