Georgiy Soloviyov
July 31, 2012
Georgiy Borisovitch Soloviyov, 35, died suddenly on Tuesday July 31, 2012, in a work-related accident. Funeral services are Friday, August 3, 10:00 a.m., at Lincoln Heights Lutheran Church, 1223 W. Watrous Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa.
George was born on October 19, 1976, in Kiev, Ukraine, the youngest of three sons born to Nina Soloviyov. Educated in government schools, George graduated Kiev No. 25 in 1994. George lived with his family and worked as a gardener, mechanic, cabinet maker, and security guard.
In November of 1993, the Ukrainian young man met an American girl on a mission trip with her family. Lori Schwark returned to the U.S. the next summer, while the two maintained a very long-distance romance until George came to the U.S. in 1996. The couple was married in Brillion, Wisconsin, on November 29, 1996, and they lived there for a year while Lori taught at Trinity Lutheran School.
Finally George was granted a work visa and moved with Lori to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, for Lori’s next call to teach, and George was employed at a foundry. Their first child, Tatayana, was born there in 1998. Lori’s next call to teach was in Houston, where the family relocated a few years later.
George was a machinist for H & W Manufacturing in Houston for three years before he joined Union Pacific Railroad. Lori and George’s sons, Yuri (2002) and Aleksei (2005), were born in Houston. First George became a Texan and then a proud United States citizen in 2004. Because he wanted an American diploma, George earned his GED at North Harris College in Houston. In 2007 the family was transferred with Union Pacific to Iowa, shortly before their second daughter, Katya, arrived.
The Soloviyovs happily settled on an acreage near Stanhope. They raised children, chickens, a garden, cats, and flowers, and George had plenty of space to shoot his gun collection at targets set up in the pasture. George thrived on helping his neighbors, household projects, and building projects around his acreage. The playhouse he built for his children this summer is a monument to his skills as a builder as well as his love for them.
George was larger than life and full of life, always hospitable and generous. He loved a good campfire with his neighbors and a chance to win at a card game. His favorite greeting, “Don’t be a stranger! Sit down!” was a trademark.
George will be missed by many and remembered by everyone whose path crossed with his in two countries and several states. He was a strong leader for his family, who will always love him. Left to honor him are wife Lori, daughters Tatyana and Katya, sons Yuri and Aleksei, and Lori’s large family including parents Rev. Melvin and Elizabeth Schwark, also his godparents. He was preceded in death by his mother, Nina.
Online condolences may be directed to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Michelle (Adrian) Lyons
08/15/2012
Dear Lori: I can't imagine what you are going through, but I know you are a strong woman full of love. Please remember in your grief that there are a lot of people who are praying for and loving you and your children during this time... you are not alone!
Rachel Kanter
08/13/2012
Praying for you and your family from St. John's in Lake City, MN.
Nancy Janney
08/11/2012
I met Lori & George several times, and I was always struck by George's obvious love of life and interest in others. A couple years ago, while I worked at the Stratford pool, the family came to swim together ... always together! George was obviously a loving father and devoted husband. My prayers go with your family as you sort through this struggle together. As you look to the Lord for strength, He will be by your side, providing all that you need.
Prayers! --Nancy Janney
Keir Nero
08/09/2012
I had the privilage of working with George here in Houston on the Union Pacific. He was a good worker and very excited about his job, life in the U.S. and spoke of his family very fondly! I was very saddend to learn of this tragedy! May God be with his family!
Donald and Holly Adix
08/09/2012
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. It was a total shock to us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Susan Knutson
08/05/2012
Dear Lori and Family,
My husband Russell and I live in Mason City, Iowa. Russell is an engineer for the Canadian Pacific rail road here. We were so saddened to hear the terrible news of Georgiy's tragic death.
Our deepest sympathies go out to all of you. The obituary in our local paper was short but I enjoyed reading more about Georgiy on the obituary on line from the funeral home.
He was an amazing person and I know you are all proud of him and will cherish his memory.
With deepest heart felt sympathy
Sue and Russell Knutson
David and Leanne Ross
08/03/2012
Dear Lori and family,
God has you in His loving arms, Trust Him to help you through the difficult times ahead. We will keep you and the children in our prayers. Uncle Don and Aunt Emily have heard from your Grandma Ivlo several times, and you are in their prayers also.
Mark Krueger
08/03/2012
Dear Lori and family,
So very saddened to hear about Yura. During all those years in Ukraine together I considered Yura an adopted son. My heart truly aches for you and your entire family.
You need to keep hearing and focusing on the resurrection promise.
Again my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to you, your parents and siblings.
I was able to contact Igor and passed the information on to him.
Uncle Mark
Uncle Bob and Aunt Carol
08/03/2012
Lori:
We were so sorry to hear from your Grandma that your husband had died. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God keep you and the children in His comforting arms now and in the future.
Aunt Carol and Uncle Bob
Brian Costello
08/03/2012
I work as yardmaster in Clinton for the UP. George worked for me 4 or 5 times there while training and was always good for an interesting conversation. His proffesionalism and work ethic as an employee was nothing compared to the impact he had on the people he met. I may not have known him well but it was easy to tell that he was a great man and cared deeply for his family. We are all very sorry for and upset by your loss. Words cannot express this enough. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Lori and also with your family.
Lois Kruse
08/02/2012
Dear Lori and children,
Our hearts and prayers are with you. We know that our words can only salve your hurt but Jesus will heal; lean on His care and love. We are with you in spirit... Love to you all.
Terry Dash
08/02/2012
I had the pleasure and HONOR of working with Georgiy both in Boone and most recently while he was in Clinton. A finer human being you will not find. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
Heather Knox
08/02/2012
From our family to yours, we are so deeply saddened by your loss. May George rest in peace. Jason only got to work with him for a short time in Clinton, but said he was a pleasure to work with. A great guy and co-worker. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Jason Johnson (UP Employee) & Heather Knox
Carol White
08/02/2012
Lori,
We here at the preschool were so sad to hear the news. Please know you and your children are in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you and guide you all during this time. Your friends at Abiding Word Lutheran Preschool.
Matt Linderman
08/02/2012
I didn't really know George that well, but I also work for the Union Pacific Railroad. This is such a shock to all of us, words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss and your children's loss! I've heard NOTHING but great things about how your husband treated people and his amazing attitude towards life and our job. I only wish I had the chance to get to know him, the people who knew him are extremely lucky to have had his friendship! May God be with you and your family in this tough time. (UP Employee)