MAYVILLE – This area lost another member of the "Greatest Generation" on October 31, 2016 when George E. Dikeman died.
A life long area resident, he was born Sept. 24, 1925 to Clarence M. and Arlouine (Loveless) Dikeman in Westfield, NY. Dad left high school to serve his country and join the US Navy during WWII. He received an honorable discharge and was later called back to serve in The Korean War on the USS General A. E. Anderson.
He married Marjorie (Marge) A. Hartmann in Westfield NY July 25, 1946. They raised two sons Donald E. and Thomas E. Dikeman.
Marge and George owned and operated The Mayville Coffee Shop from 1961-1969. Dad also worked and retired from the Mayville Division of Ethan Allen as their production control manager.
He was Past Commander of the Mayville VFW and American Legion Posts. At one point managing the Mayville Legion along with his wife Marge.
Dad was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years in Oct. 2013. He is survived by sons Donald (Sheila) and Thomas Dikeman (Seneca) as well as 6 grandchildren, Dawn (Keary) Howard, Melissa (Bill) Emerson, Jared Dikeman, Jenna (Mark) Vendetti, Janel Stoica, Jeleena Dikeman, and many nephews, nieces, and great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his step sister Donna Wilcox, and brothers Duane, and Edmond (Ebby) Dikeman. He is survived by sisters Clarol Murry, Shirley Wilson and step sister Lorraine Wilson.
Dad had always loved animals and he pursued that interest after serving his country by raising and feeding horses, chickens, rabbits, pigs, duck, and birds of all kinds, at one point even caring for an elephant (Lena). He also enjoyed and had an extensive knowledge of gardening and cooking. He spent a lot of time painting& woodworking as well.
In addition to love for animals, Dad loved sports and was an accomplished bowler and played basketball for Calarco's Restaurant. He loved and followed his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren's accomplishments. Every chance he could he would attend their games.
The funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday at the Freay Funeral Home in Mayville. Rev. Cathy Smith from Hospice Chautauqua County will officiate. Burial will be in the Westfield Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Mayville VFW and the Mayville American Legion.
The family will receive friends for one hour (11 to 12 am) prior to the funeral service on Saturday at the funeral home.
The family would like to thank South County Hospice and in particular Julie, Jessica, and Jennifer for the personal care they gave Dad.
You can leave a remembrance or to light a candle by going to www.freayfuneralhome.com.