George William Milligan, 90, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Thursday, December 24, 2020, at Mercy Hospital.

George was born April 9, 1930 to McKinley and Elsie (Wertz) Milligan in Grinnell. He graduated in 1948 from Montezuma High School, then enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Korean War aboard the USS IOWA. When George returned home, he attended Iowa State University and graduated with a degree in civil engineering. June 19, 1954 George married Marlene Watson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Together they raised their family in Cedar Rapids. George began his career as a civil engineer with the City of Cedar Rapids and then with Howard R. Green Engineering.  In 1969, he was appointed as Director for the Water Pollution Control facility. In 1990 his position expanded to Superintendent for Water Purification and Water Pollution Control, retiring at the age of 70 in 2000.

George was a member of many groups and associations: Elks Lodge, American Public Works Association, Water Pollution Control Federation, Friendship Force, and took an active role in volunteering for Muscular Dystrophy Association and Habitat for Humanity. He was a charter member of Cedar Hills Community (Reformed) Church where George and his family actively worshipped for 61 years.

He was an avid mushroom hunter, enjoyed playing church softball, loved the outdoors, and had a passion for his grandchildren's activities and Iowa State sports.  George also loved to travel, especially enjoying his trip with his son on the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight in 2014.  He was a kind, hardworking and humble man. He deeply touched the lives of many and left this world a better place.  He will be missed. We love you Papa .

George is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marlene of Cedar Rapids; children, Steve and Jody Milligan of Wister, OK, Sheri and Jim Smith, Cindy and Mark Espe both of Swisher; grandchildren, Aricca Smith (Brian Heacock), Trevor (Katie) Powell, Spencer (Ashley) Powell, Courtney Lamb, Casey (Nathan) Cooper, Ryan Espe; great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Ashlyn, Kharington, Emmalyn, Landon, Emerson, Adelyn and Autumn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Lori Powell Seivert; grandson, Brady Smith; siblings, Mildred Peterson, Doyle and Delmar Milligan.

Memorial Service is 10 a.m. Monday, December 28, 2020 at Cedar Hills Community Church with Kent Landhuis officiating. The service will be livestreamed facebook.com/cedarhillscommunitychurch. A private family burial will take place at Anderson Cemetery, Swisher, with military honors.

Visitation will be 3-5 p.m. at the church Sunday, December 27, 2020. Memorials may be directed to the church or Matthew 25. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com .