Oliver George Mahrt

George was born to his parents, Oliver G. Mahrt Sr. and Innamae Mahrt, on August 21, 1946, in Peoria, IL. George was previously married to Clara Mahrt. After separating, he met his wife, Sherilyn, at Alcoholics Anonymous and married her on February 14, 1992. George attended Richwoods High School and graduated in 1965. From there he went to trade school and learned the trade of machining. George was hired by Caterpillar and was a Tool and Die Maker for 45 years before retiring in April 2015. He loved the work he did, working for Caterpillar, and the strong bond he had with his co-workers that he worked with for so many years. George served in the US Navy as a Ship Serviceman, 2nd Class Petty Officer, serving on three different tours of Vietnam on the U.S.S. Braine, U.S.S. Mullany, and U.S.S. John R. Craig from April 16, 1968, until November 16, 1971. During his service, he was responsible for managing the ship’s laundry and the ship store. He was very proud to be a part of the US Navy and made many life-long friends during his service. George was active in Alcoholics Anonymous and was sober for 36 years. He was a sponsor, mentor, and friend to many people in the program. George believed in Rule 62 - Rule 62 in recovery refers to the rule of “don't take yourself too damn seriously.” George never met a stranger and was a friend to everyone. He was kind, caring, and so very loved and will be missed by everyone that knew him. George was a talented woodworker and loved spending time working on projects out in his shop. He had every woodworking tool imaginable in his shop and used them to make new creations and help fix the many antiques that Sherilyn brought home that needed repair. He was preceded in death by his brother, mother, father, and a grandson. George will be missed most by his family that loved and cared about him so incredibly much. He is survived by his wife, Sherilyn, of 31 years. He is also survived by his 6 children - Nina Mahrt of San Diego, CA; Diana Mahrt of San Diego, CA; Sarah Mahrt (Dean Goetz) of Fond du Lac, WI; Amber Loven (Lee Loven) of Vergennes, VT; Sam Lyons of Peoria, IL; and Doug Bastuba (Kevin Bastuba) of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Sister Glady Cobb of Branson, MO; many nieces and nephews. Cremation rites have been performed per his request. The US Navy will conduct a burial at sea. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.