Dr. George B. Pusczak, age 80 of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, January 9, 2017 at Spectrum Health Big Rapids. He was born March 27, 1936 in Detroit and was raised in Lakeview by his parents George and Inez (Griffin) Pusczak. George graduated from Lakeview High School in 1953 and then attended Central Michigan University. He completed his medical degree at University of Michigan Medical School graduating in 1960. Dr. Pusczak married Carol L. Weber in 1961 in Grand Rapids. He then was drafted by the United States Air Force and served his nation as a Physician. He was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1963. Dr. Pusczak completed his residency at Butterworth Hospital in 1966. He and Carol then moved to Big Rapids and he began his internal medicine private practice. Dr. Pusczak and Carol ran the practice together for the past 25 years. They closed his office, and Doctor continued to work for Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital until the end of 2015. Dr. Pusczak had worked over fifty years in the healthcare field, making his tenure the longest of any physician at Big Rapids Hospital. From the time he was a small child, he wanted to be a doctor. Practicing medicine was his life and he inspired many local changes in medicine, such as working to acquire a defibrillator for the hospital in the early days and he was also instrumental in the opening of the Critical Care Unit at Big Rapids Hospital. He had a great love of books and dearly enjoyed his grandchildren and family. He was a member of St. Mary-St. Paul Parish in Big Rapids. Dr. Pusczak is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Carol Pusczak of Big Rapids; two daughters, Dawn (Joseph) Ahern of Alma and Sarah (Douglas) Baar of Grandville; son David (Erin) Pusczak of Rockford; four grandchildren, Jacob Ahern, Caleb (Emily) Ahern, Ethan Ahern all of Alma, and Jillian Baar of Grandville; great-granddaughter, Isabel Ahern of Alma; two brothers-in-law, Dr. Wendell (Chris) Weber of Big Rapids and Gregory (Kathy)Weber of Ludington; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Inez Pusczak; his birth parents, Leta and Charles Shanks; and eight brothers. To quote Dr. Pusczak, "It has been a privilege to be a physician and I dont take that for granted. Physicians have a front seat to the world. People will confide in you and thats a privilege. I count my blessing and remind myself that its been quite a run. How did a potato picker from Montcalm County get to go to the University of Michigan and practice medicine?" The family will greet friends Saturday, January 14, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A private service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Father Joe Fix officiating. Burial will be at Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids in the Spring. Memorial contributions in Dr. George B. Pusczaks name may be to the Animal Rescue Coalition, 18400 220th Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307 or WISE (Womens Information Service, Inc.) PO Box 1249, Big Rapids, MI 49307. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Visitation Saturday, January 14, 2017 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Saturday, January 14, 2017 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307