Rev. George Scilley
August 27, 1933 ~ December 21, 2014
George Ralph Scilley, 81, died on December 21, 2014 at Eventide Nursing Home.
George was born on August 27, 1933 in Fargo, ND to Ralph and Minnie Scilley. He had on brother Robert.
George was a North Dakota farm boy, growing up on Cass county farms. His parents and their two sons were the textbook definition of farm families in the “40’s and 50’s “. The boys received their elementary education in one room rural schools. Their teachers were old maids who were looking for bachelor farmers whom they hoped had money, land or ambition. Their dad, Ralph was elected to a term or two on the school board. The members of the community volunteered their time to repair, paint and improve the school building. His dad loved the circus and the never missed one that came to Fargo. Their mother, Minnie was a movie buff, so on Sunday’s the family went to the Moravian Church, Sunday school and Catechism, then off to the movie matinee. The Boys were inspired to soak up a morality – be honest, be good, work hard, trust in God and ask for his guidance.
George went to High School in Fargo and driving a model A Ford added to his independence. High School was a blur, but everybody was thinking of a “call”. George’s parents favored ordination in the church, but secretly George wanted to race cars professionally. He compromised and went to a Moravian College and Seminary in Bethlehem, PA. He was ordained, but always drove fast. He married a lovely Pennsylvania girl and together they served parishes in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan for five years that became a long honeymoon. Then George enlisted in the US Army Chaplaincy. We began serving at Fort Knox Kentucky at which time we adopted our daughter Sarah which brought us much happiness and pride. Overseas assignments included, South Korea, West Germany, Vietnam, and The Netherlands. Stateside assignments included Ford Ord, CA, and Washington D.C. areas in the Chief of Chaplains office and Fort Belvoir.
George retired from the Army in 1983 and settled south of Fargo in Oxbow. Other dreams took root and George turned a restaurant building on University drive into a Country Inn. the food was outstanding and the service gracious. People were complimentary, the bills were paid, and all employees were paid promptly. The person not paid was George. So after a year the restaurant was sold and George put his prior career as a clergyman into practice again. He pastored local Moravian Churches, as well as jail chaplain in Fergus Falls. Dorothy meanwhile put her registered nurse career choice to good use. To make things fun and interesting a couple times a year they hitched up with the US Air Force for trips to Europe.
George is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of Fargo and his daughter Sarah and grandson, Sean of Portland, OR. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Minnie and his brother, Robert.
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Stratham NHGeorge and Dorothy were our Oxbow neighbors, often seen cruisin’ by in a cute little convertible and a friendly wave and often stopping to chat a bit. We would run into them often at the Straw Hat Players productions, again enjoying intermission to catch up. Your friendly smile and great conversation will be sorely missed.
Dorothy – our sincere condolences to you and your family. George was a great man in so many ways.
I was (one of) George’s dental hygienists. I can tell you I always looked forward to our conversations as we attempted to get “work” done too. He had the most interesting stories and perspectives on things….I learned alot about and from George in our conversations but the main things I learned was George was a kind, compassionate, smart, and wise man. I wish I could have heard some of his sermons. Dorothy–I pray for your peace and comfort as you celebrate the life of George, and I hope you find sustaining comfort in your many beautiful memories of your earthly lives together. God Bless.
Oxbow ND
I moved next door to George & Dottie in 1990 at Oxbow. They were wonderful neighbors and provided many special memories… George was a wise man and he had a special demeanor that I shall never forget. I will also remember that whenever you saw George in one of his favorite automobiles, you also saw Dottie, as they were inseparable. Rest in peace, dear friend. Paul D Nelson
I will miss Pastor George. He alway brightened my day with his friendly smile and quick wit. He taught me many things and influenced my whole family. He will be missed by many. Till we meet again. Peace.
Hudson WisconsinGeorge was my cousin and my friend. He was always kind and generous to us younger cousins – really showing us a great time on visits to the farm. We all have many stories to tell from those experiences and it is no surprise that he went into the ministry because of his compassion for all.
Sioux Falls SDGeorge was a friend and a mentor to me.
knew him from the 50’s. Thank you for
being a terrific Pastor.
Donnybrook North Dakota
George was my confirmation teacher when he first came as a student pastor to Aurelia. He was a blessing to our community and our family. Our earth has suffered a great loss and I hope there’s enough work in heaven to keep him busy.
Fargo ND
George and Dorothy made our joining Shepherd of the Prairie Church a blessing. And they continued to make us feel welcome. George was always full of joy and shared it with all around him. He will be missed, but he is now enjoying his reward for his service to his Maker.;
Stratham NHGeorge and Dorothy were our Oxbow neighbors, often seen cruisin’ by in a cute little convertible and a friendly wave and often stopping to chat a bit. We would run into them often at the Straw Hat Players productions, again enjoying intermission to catch up. Your friendly smile and great conversation will be sorely missed.
Dorothy – our sincere condolences to you and your family. George was a great man in so many ways.
;
I was (one of) George’s dental hygienists. I can tell you I always looked forward to our conversations as we attempted to get \”work\” done too. He had the most interesting stories and perspectives on things….I learned alot about and from George in our conversations but the main things I learned was George was a kind, compassionate, smart, and wise man. I wish I could have heard some of his sermons. Dorothy–I pray for your peace and comfort as you celebrate the life of George, and I hope you find sustaining comfort in your many beautiful memories of your earthly lives together. God Bless.;
Oxbow ND
I moved next door to George & Dottie in 1990 at Oxbow. They were wonderful neighbors and provided many special memories… George was a wise man and he had a special demeanor that I shall never forget. I will also remember that whenever you saw George in one of his favorite automobiles, you also saw Dottie, as they were inseparable. Rest in peace, dear friend. Paul D Nelson;
I will miss Pastor George. He alway brightened my day with his friendly smile and quick wit. He taught me many things and influenced my whole family. He will be missed by many. Till we meet again. Peace.;
Hudson WisconsinGeorge was my cousin and my friend. He was always kind and generous to us younger cousins – really showing us a great time on visits to the farm. We all have many stories to tell from those experiences and it is no surprise that he went into the ministry because of his compassion for all.;
Sioux Falls SDGeorge was a friend and a mentor to me.
knew him from the 50’s. Thank you for
being a terrific Pastor.
;
Donnybrook North Dakota George was my confirmation teacher when he first came as a student pastor to Aurelia. He was a blessing to our community and our family. Our earth has suffered a great loss and I hope there’s enough work in heaven to keep him busy.;
I was Major Scilley’s Chaplain’s Assistant in Babenhausen, Germany in 1968-69. For some reason I looked up his name and read he had passed last year. Today, June 23rd I decided to search the Internet for his name again. On the very day I decided to look up his name he was being interred at Arlinton Cemetary on the same day, incredible. The time I served with Chaplain Scilley, was one of the highlights of my life. My wife and I were able to meet him many years later at Fort Ord when he served there. He, Dorothy, Charrie, my wife and I had lunch at the officers club. I only wish I had known sooner about his internment at Arlington Cemetary. I would have liked to be there to pay my respects to him. A truly wonderful and Godly man.
I was Chaplain Scilley ‘s Chaplains assistant in Babenhausen Germany from 1967-69. My wife and myself visited him and Dorothy for lunch years later at Fort Ord, California. Rest In Peace loyal servant of God. Jack Hunter