George Glumac

George Glumac, 100, of Hibbing, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 21, 2018.  He was born January 1, 1918 in Hibbing to Michael and Anna Glumac.  He grew up in Hibbing and Kewanee, IL.

George loved to fly and spent time in Hibbing and Palmdale, California training for his pilot's license.  He joined the US Navy, was assigned to dive bombing squadron VB-19 and was stationed on the USS Lexington.  George served in eight campaigns in the Pacific during WWII, including the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea.  He loved flying the SBD “Dauntless” and always enjoyed a smoke while flying his plane.  George was awarded both the Navy Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his “cool courage and grim determination” in combat.

George married the love of his life, Dessa Vujnovich, on January 14, 1945, while on leave from the US Navy.   After the War, they raised their three children, George, Carol and Robert, in Hibbing.  George and Dessa enjoyed spending their summers at their cabin on Swan Lake and traveling across the country to attend George’s bombing squadron reunions.

George was an active member of the St. Basil Serbian Orthodox church in Chisholm.  He enjoyed working outside at the cabin, always finding more rocks to move or trees to cut down.  He loved visits from his family and always had jokes to tell and corn chips to share. George will be remembered for his kind heart, intellect, positive attitude, infectious smile, strong work ethic and great sense of humor.

George is preceded in death by his parents, his son, George “Bucky” Glumac and son-in-law Darol McWilliams.

He is survived by his loving family, daughter Carol McWilliams of Hibbing, son Robert Glumac of Stafford, VA, 10 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and his nephew Gary (Donna) Simonson.  He will be dearly missed.

The family would like to express its gratitude for the excellent care provided and compassion shown to George by the staff at Guardian Angels Health & Rehab Center and Dr. Mark Wagner.

Visitation will be held at 10a.m. to 11 a.m., Friday at St. Basil of Ostrog Serbian Orthodox Church in Chisholm, with services at 11am.  Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Hibbing.