George Tjiong

George Tjiong, 97, of Zeeland, MI passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at home.

Born on October 5, 1925 in Bandung, Indonesia; son of An Nio Jap and Pian Tjong Tjiong; beloved Husband of 70 years to Mary Tjiong. George was one of 14 siblings. Loving Father of Shirley (Charlie) Harris of Farmingdale, NY, Steve (Barbara) Tjiong of Setauket, NY, Anne (Bill) Gardel of Wayland, MA, David Tjiong of West Hempstead, NY, and Howie (Alice) Tjiong of Holland, MI; grandfather to Kimberley Harris Limouze and Thomas Cooper Limouze of Mountain Top, PA, Kelly Artz and Anthony Artz of Massapequa, NY, Melissa Gardel of Somerville, MA, Lindsay Gardel of Washington, DC, Michael Tjiong and Elizabeth Maffetone of Cincinnati, OH, Stephanie Tjiong and Stephen Siu of Philadelphia, PA, and Robert Gardel of Salt Lake City, UT; great-grandfather to Alexander George Limouze, JuliaMae Limouze and Madeleine Artz. George and Mary moved their 5 children to the United States in 1967, with only their clothes and what little money they could carry, leaving behind their home, family and possessions for education and opportunity for a better life for their family. He owned many businesses: a plastic factory, an electronic repair and a sewing shop in Indonesia; a construction business and a restaurant in the United States. He hired many of the neighborhood kids to help him build houses. This opportunity provided valuable experience for these young men in pursuit of a career in construction. He was a teacher and a pioneer in education for Indonesians. He knew several languages and was well educated having a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bandung Institute of Technology. He was very fond of children and dogs. His smile was priceless, especially in the presence of young children. A graveside service will be held at Lakewood Cemetery in Holland, MI at 1:00 PM on November 28th, 2022. Reverend Matthew Stob presiding.