George B. Ferkey, age 87 of Saratoga, died Sunday, October 18, 2015 at Aspirus Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nekoosa. Visitation will be held Friday at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of service. Rev. William Menzel will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery with military rites by Nekoosa VFW Post 5960. Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home of Nekoosa is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at ritchayfuneralhome.com

George was born February 9, 1928 in the town of Eau Pleine to August and Eunice (Johnson) Ferkey. He served in the US Army at the end of World War II in the Philippines.

He married Audrey Flatoff, the love of his life, on June 20, 1959 in Wisconsin Rapids. George was employed by Nekoosa Papers, Inc. (Domtar) for 44 years, retiring in 1990.

George was a knowledgeable mechanic who loved restoring antique tractors. He also excelled in welding and body work and always had time to help his friends and relatives. George took great joy in his hobby farm.

He is survived by his wife Audrey; eleven children, Sherry (Craig) Strub of the town of Rome, George R. Ferkey of Wisconsin Rapids, Susan (Tom Pagel) Ferkey of Wisconsin Rapids, Nancy Ferkey of Wisconsin Rapids, Danny (Cara Murray) Ferkey of Nekoosa, David (Debbie Spohn) Ferkey of Wisconsin Rapids, Lisa (James) Jenner of Nekoosa, Karla (Mark) Houghton of Wisconsin Rapids, Stacey (Dan Whitford) Gilson of Appleton, James (Amy) Ferkey of Wisconsin Rapids, and Kenneth (Karen Shaw) Ferkey of Wisconsin Rapids; 18 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; his brother, August (Jeannette) Ferkey of Lebanon, MO; and his sister, Patricia (Duane) Hofmeister of Wisconsin Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Gene and Roy Ferkey, and his sister, Marlene Henke.