George K. Ikeda, 99, formerly of Emmaus, died November 30, 2021 at Lehigh Valley Hospital.  He was born in San Juan Bautista, CA, the oldest of five sons born to farmer Genroku Ikeda and his wife Tsuyuko.  In 1942, George and his family were incarcerated in the Poston Internment Camp in Poston, AZ along with other Americans of Japanese ancestry.

In 1944 George moved to the Philadelphia area and began his career.  He worked as a draftsman at York Corporation from 1945-1957 and was committed to supporting his family and helping his younger brothers attend college.  He went on to attend Rutgers University through academic scholarships from Union Carbide and Western Electric and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1958.  Following graduation he joined Air Products and Chemicals in Trexlertown, PA and worked there until his retirement in 1986.

George was dedicated to his family and the Lehigh Valley community.  He was active with Junior Achievement, YMCA as a coach and board member, board member of the Emmaus Shelter House and Allentown Art Museum, member of the Japanese American Citizen's League, and an active member and past president (Allentown West Chapter) of Rotary International.  In his free time he enjoyed photography, gardening, cooking, international travel and spending time with his family.  In later life he took great pride watching his grandchildren play a variety of sports and enjoyed his Yuengling Lager with lunch and sharing a bottle of wine with family and friends.

George is survived by his children, Carolyn (Ed Linhart) of Alexandria, VA, Bruce (Anne) of Berwyn, PA, Dr. Jane (Dr. Steve Gohsler) of Mendham, NJ and Doug (Tanya) of Allentown, grandchildren, Brian (Casey),  Michael (Kirstie) and Jamie Ikeda and Eric, Dan and Becky Gohsler, great grandchildren Hana and Grant Ikeda, his youngest brother, Ken, and his favorite granddog Baxter.  He was predeceased by his wife Janet (November 29, 2019) and three brothers.

A private family celebration of his life will be held at a later date.  Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus is handling arrangements.

The family would like to thank the staff of Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest and Lehigh Valley Hospice for providing George with wonderful care and compassion in his last days.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Lehigh Valley Health Network, Office of Philanthropy (PO Box 1883, Allentown, PA 18105), to Rotary International Foundation (One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Ave, Evanston, IL 60201) or to the LutherCrest Benevolent Fund (800 Hausman Road, Allentown, PA 18104).