George K. Ikeda, 99, formerly of Emmaus, died Nov. 30, 2021, at Lehigh Valley Hospital. He was the husband of the late Janet Ikeda who died Nov. 29, 2019. Born in San Juan Bautista, Calif., he was the oldest of five sons born to farmer Genroku Ikeda and wife Tsuyuko.

In 1942 he and his family were incarcerated in the Poston Internment Camp in Poston, Ariz, along with other Americans of Japanese ancestry. In 1944 he 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 attended 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, Trexlertown and retired in 1986.

He was active with Junior Achievement, YMCA coach and board member, board member of the Emmaus Shelter House and Allentown Art Museum, member of the Japanese American Citizen’s League, active member and past president of the 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.

He is survived by children, Carolyn (Ed Linhart), of Alexandria, Va., Bruce (Anne), of Berwyn, Dr. Jane (Dr. Steve Gohsler), of Mendham, N.J. and Doug (Tanya), of Allentown; grandchildren, Brian (Casey), Michael (Kirstie) and Jamie and Eric, Dan and Becky Gohsler; great-grandchildren, Hana and Grant; youngest brother, Ken and favorite granddog, Baxter. He was predeceased by three brothers.

Memorial contributions may be mde to the Lehigh Valley Health Network, Office of Philanthropy, P.O. Box 1883, Allentown,18105, to Rotary International Foundation, One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston, Ill., 60201 or to the Luther Crest Benevolent Fund, 800 Hausman Road, Allentown, 18104.

A private family celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Arrangements were made by the Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus.