George David Gritz of Hermiston passed away in Richland, Wash. on March 26, 2025 at the age of 76. George was very happy to be able to spend the last few days with family and close friends before losing a battle to cancer.
He was born on Oct. 28, 1948 in Miles City, Mont. to George H. and Dorothy Franklin Gritz.
George moved to Hermiston with his family when he was a toddler. He attended schools in Hermiston and graduated from Hermiston High School in the class of 1966. After high school, he served in the U.S. Navy for a term, which included two years and nine months in Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge, he began his career with the Laborers’ International Union Local #682 (was later Local #121 and currently Local #737). He was elected business manager of the union in 1980 (preceding his father’s tenure), a position he held for 25 years. He retired from his position with the union in 2003. He was very honored and proud to serve his union family across the state of Oregon. George maintained his membership in the union for over 58 years and was a proud Gold Card member.
George enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family and friends. George and his wife of 46 years, Shari, loved attending their grandkids’ and extended grandkids’ sporting events. He loved supporting local youth activities with 4H, FFA and Hermiston Little League. He also was a member of the Moose Lodge in Stanfield for many years. George married Sharon “Shari” Nisbet in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho on April 8, 1973 and they were married for 46 years. He is survived by a son, Jeffrey and his wife Jana Gritz; two grandsons, Nychal and Slade Gritz; extended grandchildren, Wyatt Noland and Bailee Noland
Kennedy; sister, Carol (Butch) Curtis; several nieces and nephews; and he had a very close bond with his nephew, Dusty Porter.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shari on June 20, 2018. He was also preceded in death by his parents, George H. and Dorothy Gritz and a brother, Doug Gritz. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Burns Mortuary Chapel at 11 a.m.
Burial with military honors will follow in the Hermiston Cemetery with a reception to follow.
Family suggests memorial donations be made to Hermiston Little League or to a charity of your choice.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
