In Remembrance

At age 81, George Peloquin DDS, of Duluth, passed away on September 13, 2023. Preceding him in death, was his first wife, Sharon J. Johnson, his parents George (Giggs) Sr., and Ella (Storms) Peloquin,
and his brother Colonel Andrew J. Peloquin. George grew up in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood where he got involved in scouting, and amateur sports, and although more of a B team player, he enjoyed meeting and playing with others just for the fun of it. He attended Lakeside Elementary, Ordean Jr. High, and Duluth East Senior High schools. Through his junior and senior high school years, George and a group of five other young men, whom he had met during his Boy Scouting days, spent time together planning, packing, and driving to the BWCA. They spent time exploring, paddling, fishing, and giving and receiving all sorts of free advice around the campfire. As all experienced campers know, the best advice comes at the campfire, especially when your best friends are around it!
He attended the University of Minnesota, Duluth campus taking “premed” courses. He then transferred to the University of Minnesota’s main campus, School of Dentistry. Following four intense years of study,
he was proud to finally receive his precious diploma. His next step was his commissioning in the Navy as a Lieutenant. George first served as a dentist with the US Navy, stationed in Newport, Rhode Island. He then volunteered for service in DaNang, Republic of Vietnam. His final tour of duty was at Jacksonville Naval Air Station, in Jacksonville, Florida. A year and a half prior to leaving service and resigning his commission, he returned to Duluth and married his classmate, Sharon Johnson. Together, they then returned to Florida to complete his last duty months. As a civilian, he returned to Duluth and his beloved Lakeside area to build his dental practice and begin raising a family.
During his early years of practice he was awarded his fellowship in the American Society of General Dentistry. He was a continuing member of the American and Minnesota Dental Societies, and was an active
member of the Duluth Dental Forum. In 2004, George lost his wife, Sharon, to bone cancer. He retired from his dental profession two years later, struggling for reasons to push past his 42 year dental practice.
He found his focus once again after meeting his present wife, Claudia Reed. They traveled about the United States and enjoyed many beautiful sights with George keenly interested in his new hobby of pho–
tography. Each day, in all that they did, they celebrated their luck in finding each other and enjoying their home on the shores of Lake Superior. This year marked their 15th anniversary!
George is survived by his wife, Claudia and her children, Kerri and Bryan Green (Amnicon, WI), and Matthew and Karen Reed (Eureka, MO); plus his children, Amy Hartwell (Bemidji, MN), Chris and Susan
Peloquin (Weston, WI), and Carrie and Maketha Bridges (Seattle, WA); plus a combined ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and his sister, Cherrie Christine Peloquin of Huntsville, AL
Our family would like to extend sincere thanks to CenterWell Home Care, the 11th floor staff at Essentia St. Mary’s Hospital, Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospice-Duluth Team, and Franciscan Health Center for
their terrific care, sincere love and kind support. Gifts may be sent to Duluth Alzheimer’s Association, 4960 Miller Trunk Highway, Suite 700, Hermantown, MN 55811. Respecting George’s wishes, a private
family gathering will take place at a future date.