George Harold Fleschner was born July 30, 1925 and passed on March 28, 2026 with his oldest son by his side. George was the son of Bertha Walls Fleschner and George F. Fleschner. George's siblings were Roberta, Kiva, Iva, Alec, Ernie, Alice, Jody, and Janet. Their paternal grandparents Jann (John) and Johanna (Hannah) Fleschner emigrated from Wiesederfehn (Ostfriesland), Germany to Vigo County in 1880. On January 17, 1902, John and Hannah purchased 40 acres directly from an original Public Land Act owner that had acquired the land from the Federal government on August 25, 1817. And so in rural Vigo County, John established a small coal mine that was his grandson George's first experience of coal-mining, the "Fleschner Coal Mine."

George was preceded in death by his wife Irene, son Larry, granddaughter Kristin, and all of his siblings. The Fleschner family was large and close-knit, and many went to the same church for decades, often celebrated Thanksgiving and Fourth of July together, and cultivated an environment of compassion, spiritual companionship, and deep love and connection with one another. George was the oldest brother and had a special place in his sisters' hearts - they always thought of George as a charmer and indeed he was. He married Irene Morris Fleschner soon after returning from Navy service in World War II, and Irene was welcomed into George's large family with open arms. George and Irene had two boys: Steve and Larry. George was extremely proud of his boys and the fact that they became law partners together and worked together for many years. George was a coal-miner and believed in the principle of hard work as a guiding value in life. He first worked in his father's mine as early as 1940, and on returning from the second world war, set out on his path to become a mine manager. In time, George became a very respected mine manager, and was sought after by mine owners because of his ability to turn around a mine. George survived a severe mining accident in the early 1960s when several tons of coal and rock dropped onto him. He didn't know if he would survive, and his brother Alec - a fellow miner - was by his side during this incident. George was hospitalized and was initially told he might not be able to work again. He was back working within two months.

George's unflinching vision of reality was unshakeable. He did not have formal education past the ninth grade; nonetheless, he cultivated a clear and positive outlook about life. His positivity was legendary. He continued his exercise routine past his 100th birthday. He was particularly proud to reach his 100th birthday, and prepared several songs he sang to his birthday party attendees. He wanted to bring joy to others, and he did. Even his hospice caretakers, in his final months, sometimes showed up for extra shifts or stayed longer because they wanted, "George Time" as they called it.

"George Time" - being in George's presence - was a remarkable and unforgettable experience. He oozed congeniality, warmth, candor, kindness, and an indescribable spark of good humor. He always had a kind word for you. He loved his wife and his two boys, and was especially close with his four grandchildren: Paul, Kristin, Katie and Timmy. For decades, Irene and George had Sunday dinner after church to which their children, grandchildren, and daughter-in-law Kathy, came to spend the afternoon.

George also stayed very close with all of his siblings and their children. Whether he was "Brother George," "Grandpa George," "Uncle George," "Cousin George," or just "George" - his ability to make people feel at ease in their own skin may have been his defining quality. He was just someone you wanted to be around. George could regale you with stories about the War, work in the mines, or life growing up in the Great Depression with eight brothers and sisters; or, he could simply listen to you share whatever was on your mind and heart. He was somehow a great talker and great listener at the same time, inviting trust and confidence. He would often break into song, remembering funny songs from his youth - as far back as his early days in school - the mid 1930s. His memory and cognition remained sharp until the end. He could recall events and stories from last summer or from his childhood - it was as if all his life remained clear before him.

In addition to singing, George enjoyed dancing, and would often dance with his granddaughters at family parties. He also loved basketball, and watched thousands of Pacers games. When he retired from mining, he soon took up being a kind of yardskeeper for his son, Larry. Larry owned acreage outside Terre Haute, and George kept himself busy by keeping the large rural property pristine. George so enjoyed mowing the acres of grass, picking up sticks, tending the flowers, and enjoying time with Larry's German Shepherd dogs. George specifically enjoyed being outside "in God's creation" in the beauty of nature. Years of mining and yardwork made his large hands unbelievably strong - George's large strong hands were well known to all family members - and he would love to take his hand into your grip and squeeze.

In his final years, George enjoyed sitting by his backyard patio and watching the birds and squirrels at a birdfeeder. He looked forward to frequent time with his oldest son, Steve, watching Pacers games and going on drives, and his daughter-in-law, Kathy, making him special dishes to eat. George would always pick up his phone, and make time to cheer you up with a conversation - well into his hundredth year. He enjoyed video calls with his great-granddaughters, Winni, Maddy, and Noelle, and he loved when his great-grandsons, Theo and George, dropped by to talk about their latest sports activities. Theo and George absorbed their Great Grandpa George's words of wisdom to "never give up" and to "keep trying." Winni was particularly happy that George made it to his 100th year.

George will be missed. He is survived by his son, Steve Fleschner, daughter-in-law, Kathy Fleschner, grandchildren, Paul Fleschner, Katie Fleschner McMullen, and Tim Fleschner; their spouses, Alison Fleschner, Darek McMullen, and Drew Keller, great-grandchildren Theo and George McMullen, Winnifred, Madeleine and Noelle Fleschner, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

George would want to thank his cardiologist Dr. S. Patel. He often remarked he would not have reached 100 without Dr. Patel. He would also thank Comfort Keepers/Gentiva Hospice care for their excellent care. Finally, he loved his caretakers from Hands That Serve. He said they were like "angels" sent to help take care of him during his final months.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, April 10, 2026, at DeBaun Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 pm at the funeral home.