Obituaries

George Alexander Rye, age 79, of Pickford, Michigan, died on November 10, 2025, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey, Michigan. He was born on September 23, 1946, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Vernon and Thelma (Anderson) Rye.

George grew up in Pickford and graduated from Pickford High School with the Class of 1964. During his high school years, he was active in football and track all four years and served as a class officer. After graduation, he attended Soo Tech College, earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1968. On September 16, 1967, he married Janet Sparks at Faith Lutheran Church in Sault Ste. Marie. The couple made their home in Sault Ste. Marie while George completed his college education.

In November of 1968, George entered the United States Army and proudly served in Vietnam until his honorable discharge in July of 1970. Following his military service, he began a career in data processing, working first for D & N Savings & Loan in Hancock, Michigan, then for Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan, and finally for Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, where he remained until his retirement in 2009.

George is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janet; son, Vernon (Stephanie) Rye of Mt. Carmel, Illinois; granddaughter, Cybill Grace Rye of Mt. Carmel; sister, Marilynn (Marshall) Crisp of Pickford; brothers-in-law, George (Emiko) Sparks of Williamston, Michigan, and Arnold Sparks of Traverse City, Michigan; sisters-in-law, Kathy Chace of Mancelona, Michigan, Elaine Sparks of Milan, Michigan, and Susan (Ival) Hendricks of Kalkaska, Michigan; nieces, Melissa (Michael) VanLuven, Tia Radle and Wendy (Brent) Snyder; as well as several other nieces and nephews who will all miss him dearly.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Thelma Rye.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Family Life Funeral Homes, 24549 S. M-129, Pickford, MI 49774. Additional Visitation will take place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, with the Funeral Service to follow at 12:00 Noon, also at Family Life Funeral Homes. Burial will immediately follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie.

Memorial Contributions may be made in George’s memory to the Ball Hospice House, 308 W. 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, Pickford Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 572, Pickford, MI 49774, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 16811 S. Watertower Dr. Kincheloe, MI 49788 or Road to Recovery, C/O MyMichigan Medical Center, 500 Osborn Blvd, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.