George Michael Tarbuck, Jr., fondly known as "Mike" died July 29, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.

George was born on April 10, 1939, the son of Jean (Olson) and George Michael Tarbuck, Sr.  He grew up in Grand Rapids and spent most of his life in Itasca County.  While he was growing up, he served as an Alter Boy at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.   Mike was a Boy Scout and worked hard to earn his Eagle Scout Award.  A trip to the National Scouting Jamboree in California was a great reward at the conclusion of his scouting days. Following graduation from high school, Mike attended college at the junior college in Grand Rapids and St. John's University.  At a young age, Mike began working at the family car dealership.  He learned all the independent jobs that needed to be done to have a successful auto dealership and performed them when needed.  He was never afraid of hard work and that character trait continued throughout his life. After he retired from the auto dealership, he was hired as a casino security guard where he worked another 10 years.   He is also a retired Grand Rapids Firefighter.

On May 14, 1986, George was united in marriage to Joy Diane Julien.  They had a good life together until her death on August 25, 2018.

George enjoyed having fun and being with people.  Family was his first priority.  One of his daily early morning tasks was going to check on his aging parents which lead to eating breakfast together.  Mike cared for his wife, Joy at the end of her life and was always willing to assist if someone needed help.  He enjoyed being with his children and truly cherished time with his grandchildren.  He was a true outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish here in Northern Minnesota.

Mike can be remembered as an honest and forgiving man.  He was very faithful and was incredibly proud of his sobriety celebrating more than 35 years as a sober man and an AA member.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Joy; his son, Paul Tarbuck; parents, Jean and George Tarbuck, Sr.; his siblings, Robert Tarbuck and Corinne Card; and his brothers-in-law, Joe Julien and Mark Julien.

He will be deeply missed by his daughters, Celeste Tarbuck (Mike Loftus), Heidi Tarbuck (Luis Villarreal), and Danielle Tarbuck; daughter-in-law, Beth Tarbuck; step sons, Delmor Best (Connie Nason), David (Tammi) Best, and Darren Best; grandchildren, Michael Korthas, Maddison Korthas, Marissa, Amy, Bianca, Artie, Cody, Kaycee, John, Damian, and Dorian; many great grandchildren; several great great grandchildren; sister, Dianne (Dean) Anderson; sister-in-law, Carol Penny Stangl; brother-in-law, Larry Card; friend, Penny O'Brien; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Special thanks to the staff at Essentia Hospice, especially Liz Rogers for the exceptional care they provided for Mike.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Thursday, August 7, 2025 at St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Cohasset with a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.