George Arthur Dugas, 73, Two Harbors, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 while working in his at-home shop. The garage was truly George’s happy place, where he tinkered on ‘projects’ to the backdrop of classic Rock.
George was born November 3, 1951 in Little Falls, MN, the second of eight children of Edmund and Elizabeth (Wippler) Dugas. The family moved to Little Marais, MN, and George graduated from William Kelley High School in 1970. He worked for his father in their family auto body shop, followed by jobs at Milepost 7 and Reserve Mining Company, then as a logging truck driver and mechanic. George opened his own auto body shop in Two Harbors, and later established and operated Lake County Refuse (LCR) in Two Harbors. He was a mechanic for the Lake County Highway Department from which he retired. He filled in as a mechanic for Lake Superior School District after he retired.
George was a talented fabricator, always with ‘projects’ in mind or in progress. He loved rebuilding old cars and creating motorized toys for his children and grandchildren. When not working, George loved his time at the Dugas cabin on Lax Lake. Spending time with his family, playing cards, and fishing filled his time between his many ‘projects’. George was rarely idle, but when he was, he could be found catching a nap on a nearby couch or in front of a fire pit, often with a dog in his lap or by his side.
George is preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Betty, his brothers Kenneth and Robert, and grandson Ethan.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years Colleen, children Brian Dugas (Jessica), Diane Dugas Jackson (Jarad), Nathan Dugas (Brenda), Amy Dugas, Katie Dugas, Leah Beck, and David Beck. George was the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings Paul, Mark (Jeanne), Mary (Jerry), Lyle (Sandy), and Jeanette and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held in summer of 2025. To share a memory or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.
