George Henry Kishman, age 91, long time Minerva resident, left us on January 14, 2015 in the Great Trail Care Center.

George was born January 22, 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in Vermillion Township. He is a 1941 graduate of Vermillion High School. He served his Country during World War II in the Merchant Marines and sailed both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. After returning from War, he attended and graduated from The Ohio State University.

After working with General Mills out of college, he partnered with his father-in-law, Thomas Mairs, and founded Kishman's IGA in Minerva in 1954. He later established Kishman's IGA in Carrollton. George achieved the highest honor IGA bestows on their retailers, The National IGA Retailer of the Year in 1971. After retirement from the grocery business, he lived at Atwood Lake and was proprietor of the Dellroy Drive-In.
He was active in the Minerva Rotary Club, Minerva Boosters Club, Minerva Community Association, served on the YMCA Town & Country Board, served on the Minerva Local School board, and the Minerva Village Council. He was past president of the Minerva Community Association, past president of the Minerva Rotary Club, Past President of the Ohio Grocers' Association, Past President of the East Central Ohio Food Dealers Association, a founding member of the Big 8 IGA Group in Stark County, the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, an active supporter of OSU School of Dairy Technology, and a Big BUCKEYE FAN. He was very instrumental in starting the Y-Teens which evolved into the Minerva Area YMCA. He also attended the First United Presbyterian Church.
George thoroughly enjoyed the water, whether it is an inland lake or the open seas. He lived life to the fullest and enlightened others with his actions.

Survivors include his sons, Thomas (Jan) Kishman of Minerva, Jeff Kishman of Malvern; grandchildren, Tommy Kishman, Matthew (Meghan) Kishman, and Kristin Kishman (Andrew Meadows) all of Minerva; and a friend, Martha Kishman of North Canton.

He is preceded in death by Patti Kishman; sons, George H. Kishman, Jr., & Kurt R. Kishman; parents, Werner and Myrtle (Brothers) Kishman; and brothers, Werner "June", William, and Donald Kishman, all of Vermillion.

A private, family service will be held.

Contributions may be made to the Minerva Area YMCA; Community Hospice of New Philadelphia; or a charity of your choice. Those wishing to send condolences may sign the online register at www.gotschallfuneralhome.com.