In honor and memory of George “Shorty” Wikert, United States Navy 1955-1957

Every year, the Grygla Eagle Newspaper features a local veteran in honor of Veterans Day. This year’s story has a bit more meaning. We have chosen to feature George “Shorty” Wikert, who served in the U.S. Navy in 1955-1957. Shorty was living at the Greenbush LifeCare Center; he passed away peacefully last Friday, November 4th, at the age of 89. The service to celebrate Shorty’s life will be held on Friday, November 11th, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in rural Grygla at 1pm. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

In honor and memory of Shorty, we bring you his service story below. 

George was born to Fred & Frances (Holthusen) Wikert on the family farm in Thorhult, MN, on June 4th, 1933. He attended the Sand Ridge Country School in Thorhult from 1st through 8th grade, and later attended 1-2 years of high school in Goodridge, MN.

George was ordered to report to the Armory in Bemidji, MN, for an Armed Forces Physical Examination for the Selective Service on January 22nd, 1953. He was later drafted into the U.S. Navy.

George attended Basic Training at the U.S. Naval Training Center in San Diego, California. He did not know how to swim when he entered the serviced. He stated that they were pushed off of a very high ledge into the water and pulled out until they eventually learned how to swim; it wasn’t a very pleasant way to learn, but George learned how after just a few pushes.

George’s time in the Navy was from 1955-1957. He served in California, Alaska and Hawaii. George served as a deckhand and then onto a full sea man, which is 3 stripes.

He served on two different ships. The first one was Eldorado, which was an officer’s and communications ship. The second one was USS Oak Hill, which was a very large ship used to transport heavy equipment such as drag-lines, backhoes, dozers, etc. It was large enough to transport up to three smaller ships inside of it. 

In Hawaii, George was a member of the building crew that constructed the first air force base there. While stationed in Alaska, he was also on a construction crew and worked with heavy equipment.

George made many new friends during this time in his life. He enjoyed seeing new places and learned much. He spoke fondly of these memories and experiences. 

George entered the Reserves on September 10th, 1957, and served until December 1st, 1961, when he was then honorably discharged.

After returning home from the service, he started working for Holthusen Construction as a heavy equipment operator. George continued to work for Herb Holthusen until his retirement. He also raised Hereford beef cattle and sheep. In the spring of 1989, he had a Hereford cow deliver triplet calves. They all survived with a little extra TLC from him.

George married Carol (Kujanson) Wikert on February 4th, 1969; Carol passed away on October 5th, 2004. After the passing of his wife, and being retired from Holthusen Construction, George started working for the City of Grygla. He very much enjoyed this job for a number of years. 

In June 2019, George moved to Valley Home in Thief River Falls. In April 2021, he then moved to Greenbush LifeCare Center. 

Shorty was a member of the Fourtown/Grygla Sportsman’s Club. He served as Chairman for Steenerson Township in Beltrami County for 20 years. He was also a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, and a veteran whom we honor and remember. 

He is survived by his sister, Lorraine Finden, of Champlin, MN; brother Billy (Phyllis) Wikert, of Grygla, MN, and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Carol; parents; grandparents; sisters, Arlene (Bud) Froseth, and Darlene (Bob) Phillips; brother-in-law, George Finden; and a great nephew, Billijack Boyer.

Shorty will always be remembered as a very quiet and kind man with a warm smile.