George Arnold Wiederaenders, age 84, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on July 16th, 2026. He died peacefully in hospice care after residing in the Sales Family Hope Center of Lutheran Sunset Ministries in Clifton, Texas, where he received compassionate support during his final years.

George was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to G.A. and Ruth Wiederaenders and grew up in Vernon, Texas, surrounded by friends and extended family. He spent his childhood playing baseball and football and carried that love of sports throughout his life. He later graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Accounting, where he was a distinguished member of the Air Force ROTC and the Ross Volunteers.

George went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force, spending most of his service in Anchorage, Alaska. After raising his two daughters, Beth and Rachel, in Irving and Austin with his first wife Barbara, he settled in his longtime home of Fort Worth. There he met and married Kathleen Challgren, embracing a new chapter of life with her and her children, Brigh and Scott.

He was active in the Lutheran Church and built a long career in roles as an accountant, treasurer, and church business manager. Always a provider, George was a man of conviction—steady, loyal, sometimes stubborn but always dedicated to his family and community. And oh did he love a good Aggie football game!

He is survived by his children Beth Wiederaenders and her wife Allison, Rachel Wiederaenders, Brigh and Michael Effertz, Scott Challgren; his granddaughters Sofia and AnnaBrynn Effertz; his great‑grandson Saylor Spoon; his sister and brother‑in‑law, Ruth and Karl Reko; and nephews Peter and Tom Reko and their families. He was preceded in death by his longtime wife, Kathleen Challgren.

We are grateful for his life, his love, and his example.

A celebration of his life will be held on August 14th, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 5709 Wedgwood Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76133. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Red Cross, or a dog sanctuary of your choice.