George Hayashi

George L. Hayashi, age 89, of Green Lake, WI, passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, Copperleaf Village of Ripon.

George grew up in Carrington, North Dakota. The family built and developed the Rainbow Gardens Resort and Park in Carrington from 1930-1942. This was a known tourist attraction within in the state and had many famous bands such as Duke Ellington, Jimmy Dorsey and Louis Armstrong. George’s fondest memory was bragging the fact they had the first soft serve west of the Mississippi.

Upon graduation from high school George enlisted in the US Navy and eventually transferred to the US Marine Corp having served at the end of World War Two in the South Pacific. Upon being discharged, George traveled Europe while helping the US armed forces throughout Europe and the Mediterranean running facilities for officers and enlisted men. Upon returning to the States he would then attend the University of North Dakota, receiving his degree in accounting. He would go on to further his education at the University of Denver receiving a degree in hotel and restaurant management with further education at Cornell University. He was a proud member of SAE Sigma Alpha Epsilon while attending North Dakota.

George’s career in hospitality was truly unique. His early accomplishments consisted of running some of the finer restaurants including Miller Brothers, Fritzel’s of Chicago, the Pump Room at the Ambassador East, and the Brass rail in Philadelphia. He would later be in charge of total design, layout and construction coordination of the entire Tower Restaurants in the Sears Tower, which served somewhere between 20,000 to 25,000 people per day.

He would further his career helping to develop National and State Parks which included Gulf Shores, Alabama, Blue Ridge Parkway and numerous other projects, as the Regional Vice President for ARASERV.

Eventually George would hold positions in Regional Food and Beverage and also General Manager for Brock Hotel Corporation, Westbrooke, and Woodfield Suites.

Upon his retirement in 1999 he undertook another challenge in helping his son to create a boatbuilding business, which is still in operation. He took great pride in the products, the friends and the accomplishments which were achieved. Customers came to see him in the shop and visit.

He is survived by his three children son, John (Mimi) Hayashi; daughter, Jennifer (Lindsey) Hayashi, and son, Adam (Alicia) Hayashi and three grandchildren George, Sammy and Hanna. He is also survived by a younger brother Bob.

George was preceded in death by wife, Susan (1992); parents, Harry and Anna (Firlus) Hayashi; his brothers, Harry, Frank, Alfred and his sister Mary Anne.

Visitation for George will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2016, from 9 – 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 530 Ruth St., Green Lake, WI 54941.

Memorial Mass for George will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2016, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Green Lake with Full Military Honors following. Father Philip Krogman will officiate. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Dartford Cemetery in Green Lake. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested either for his church, Our Lady of the Lake, or The Pilgrim Camp Sailing Program. The family of George L Hayashi would like to thank all those that supported and loved George, his friends, family, caregivers and neighbors.


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