Georgiy Soloviyov

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

Print