George Delich

George Delich, 78, of Coleraine, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, at Grand Itasca Hospital after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family.

George was born on May 4, 1947, in Vinkovci, Yugoslavia, to Nikola and Katarina (Skrabak) Delich. In December 1957, when he was just 10 years old, George and his parents made a daring escape from communist Yugoslavia. They boarded a coal train under the cover of night and buried themselves inside for three days with a tin of cookies and a canteen of water. At dawn on the third day, the train finally stopped in West Germany, where a railroad worker opened the door and gave them their first glimpse of freedom. George later recalled the sun coming up and thinking, “We’re free, we’re free.”

After nearly two years of moving from place to place in Europe while his father found work and arranged immigration papers, the Delich family came to the United States. On July 4, 1959, they arrived in Bovey, Minnesota, believing the fireworks that greeted them that night were a celebration of their new life in America.

George attended Greenway High School, graduating in 1967. He was a proud Greenway Raider who “bled green,” excelling in football, hockey, and other sports. His senior year, 1966–1967, he was a member of the Greenway hockey team that captured the state championship—an achievement he carried with pride throughout his life.

On September 21, 1968, George married the love of his life, Annette Carpenter. Together they built a life filled with love, family, and community, raising two children, Ann and Steven.

George dedicated his career to hard work and service. He was the produce manager at National Grocery in Grand Rapids MN for more than 26 years, where he also served as union steward. He first opened George’s European Market and, in time, partnered with his son-in-law Zoka to open Four Seasons Market in Coleraine, bringing his work closer to home.

Throughout his life, George served his community in many ways. He was a very active member of the community and touched many lives through his generosity and leadership. He also coached numerous youth sports, and his encouragement left a lasting mark on many young athletes.

George looked forward to his morning stop with his “coffee crew,” fondly called the Coffee Mafia. It was his favorite routine, filled with conversation, laughter, and lifelong friendships. George followed the Yankees faithfully throughout his life, with one of his highlights being at the final game in the old Yankee Stadium. He was also a lifelong Packers fan and a proud Cheesehead. George and Annette enjoyed many Harley trips with friends, creating lasting memories on the open road.

He cherished time at the shack he built, a place meant to keep family and friends close — and close they were. Many good times were shared in Togo, with plenty of stories, more than a little drinking, some hunting — where he led the big bucks to all the guys — long evenings in the sauna, and many trips to The Junction and The Viking.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Nikola and Katarina Delich. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 57 years, Annette; his daughter Ann (Zoran) Vidovic and son Steven (Jen) Delich; grandchildren Dajana (Kolby) Condos, Adriana (Jeff) Clusiau, Anto Vidovic, Beau Delich, and Maja Vidovic; and great-grandchildren Anja Condos and Luka George Condos.

George will be remembered for his love of family, his pride in his heritage, and his lasting impact on his community. His legacy will live on in the lives of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who knew him.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 p.m., followed by a service at 3:00 p.m. at Peterson Funeral Home, Coleraine, MN.

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