George John Erceg, 86, died Thursday, October 25, 2012 at St. Lukes Living Center West from a brief illness. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 29, 2012, at St. Ludmilas Catholic Church with burial to follow in St. John's Cemetery, where full military rites will be conducted. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW. George was born September 11, 1926 in Cedar Rapids, the son of John and Stana (Iveivech) Erceg. He served in the United States Army during World War II. George was united in marriage to Pauline G. Panosh on August 4, 1947 in Little Turkey. George worked for Hamms Beer for over 25 years, Coors Beers for 10 years, owned Erceg's Blue Dot Tavern and the Tasty Freeze on both 16th Avenue. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 909, VFW, American Legion and St. Ludmilas Catholic Church. George was proud of his Croatian heritage and was instrumental in its integration to the Cedar Rapids area. He enjoyed watching the Cubs, Hawkeyes, bowling, and spending time with his family. George is survived by his children Carol (Lenny) Steiner of Cedar Rapids, Tim (Donna) Erceg of Clive; grandchildren Dr. Zac Steiner, Eric (Monique) Steiner, Brooke Erceg (Ryan Creery), and Lindsey (Rick) Porter; great-grandchildren Sophie and Maverick Steiner; and a sister-in-law Vi Swehla of Cedar Rapids. George was preceded in death by his parents, wife Pauline who died October 17, 2011, two brothers John Erceg and Joe Erceg, and brothers-in-law Clarence (Lena) Panosh, and Joe Swehla. Memorials may be directed to St. Ludmilas Catholic Church.