George Edward Blodgett

George Edward Blodgett, 80, departed this world surrounded by his loving family in his home in Arlington, Texas on July 4, 2025. We choose to believe the fireworks that evening celebrated his service to his country and his attainment of peace. George was born in Los Angeles, California, on October 25, 1945, the youngest of seven children and the only boy. He was alternately coddled and bossed around by his older sisters, experienced a free range childhood enjoying the sea and sunshine of Southern California, and put many miles on his bike. He enlisted in the Air Force in [year], and served for XX years, including service in Vietnam. Upon return, George earned his bachelor’s degree in Russian Literature. More importantly, after his return from Vietnam he met Zoeanna Andersen, his loving wife of 54 years, whom he married on March 17, 1971. George and Zoe raised four children together, Katrina, Natalia, Peter, and Patrick. The family moved from California to Arlington, Texas in 1989, where George spent the remainder of his life. George was an active father and grandfather, known for his storytelling, wide range of knowledge, and breakfast-making expertise. Growing up in the rich natural beauty of the American West gave George a lifelong appreciation of nature and the family enjoyed sailing, backpacking, and road trips to many of our nation’s beautiful National Parks. George never met a stranger, and cultivated lifelong friendships with [high school friend] and his brother-in-law Tom Alexander (wife Byrde, Zoeanna’s sister). George built a self-taught career in combustion engineering, developing a worldwide reputation that brought him to China and Ecuador to consult on combustion plants as well as wide-ranging clients in the U.S. He retired from Hauck Manufacturing Co. in [year] after a distinguished career. George found community and faith in his lifelong membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. George was preceded in death by his beloved mother and stepfather, Jesse and Richard “Popsie” Sutherland, and his sisters Pat, Carol, Judy, Shirley, and Cindy/Sidney. He is survived by his wife Zoeanna; his four children Katrina (spouse Michael); Natalia (spouse John), Peter (spouse Andrea), and Patrick (spouse Jessica); his eleven grandchildren Devin, Aiden, and Liam (Natalia and John), Jet, Ray, Alex, Fox, Inan, Luna, and Kirin (Peter and Andrea), and Wesley (Katrina and Michael); and his sister Karen. George will be honored in a private graveside service at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on August 8, 2025. The family will welcome visitors to George and Zoe’s home the on August 8, time TBD later, to share and enjoy memories of our beloved George.