BERDES GEORGE R. BERDES 1931 ~ 2015 George R. Berdes, a journalist and writer, died on May 6, 2015 in Milwaukee. George's love of words produced a lifetime of fulfilling work as a journalist, teacher, editor, and in international affairs in Washington, D.C. and several foreign countries. His love for his wife, children and grandchildren was his passion. George was born in Milwaukee on February 12, 1931, the only child of Frank and Joanna (née Galubinski) Berdes. A proud son of the south-side Polish community, he was a 1949 graduate of Don Bosco High School and a 1953 graduate of Marquette University and its College of Journalism, where he eventually served on the faculty. From 1965 until 1986 George held various positions with the U.S. Congress and its House Foreign Affairs Committee under the leadership of the late Representative Clement J. Zablocki (4th District, Wisconsin). George retired from the political side of his life to support and participate in his wife Jane's pursuit of advanced degrees in musicology at Oxford University. From 1995 till 2013, he was a commentator on WXPR- FM Public Radio in Rhinelander, WI, contributing weekly audio sketches on topics as diverse as language, patriotism, and parenting. More than 500 audio sketches are collected on his website, called eastofeagleriver.com for his beloved north Wisconsin woods. George and Jane were the proud parents of four children, Celia, Beth, John and Madelyn (Carlos Golliher), and grandparents of three: Megan Willis and Renata and Simon Berdes. George died at home, surrounded by family and friends. He was the fortunate recipient of care from several dedicated caregivers in addition to his children. Services will take place on Friday, May 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Max A. Sass & Sons Greenridge Chapel, 4747 S. 60th Street, Greenfield, WI 53220. Interment will take place on Saturday, May 16 at 1 p.m. at Eagle River Cemetery in Eagle River, WI.

Published in the Washington Post May 10, 2015