George Earl Hahlbeck

Our beloved father, grandfather, and friend, George Earl Hahlbeck, passed away on January 4, 2019 at the age of 78.

He is survived in death by his brother, Dale Hahlbeck (Madeline); sons Michael Hahlbeck, Clint Hahlbeck (Kara); daughters Daria Croniser, Hillary Franklin (Steve); former spouse Bonnie Olsen; and loving partner, Kathy Newdoll. Grandchildren include, Laura, Cameron, Hannah, Ryan, Michaela, Alli and Garrett as well as great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

George was born in Norfolk, Nebraska to Lavern and Lucille Hahlbeck, the third of four children. At a very young age, George and his family moved to Southern California. He attended Hawthorne High where he excelled in football, going on to play at El Camino Junior College and then UCLA where an injury ended his football career. Over a decade after leaving UCLA, George returned to college and proudly earned a bachelor’s degree in Business from Cal State Dominguez Hills. He accomplished this while working full-time as the Director of Financial Aid at Northrop Institute of Technology and maintaining his responsibilities as husband and father.

In 1976, George relocated his family to the Central Coast. He would hold many jobs to help make ends meet but found his greatest success in sales and finance. He began as a loan officer at Mid-State Bank, followed by ERA Mortgage, and ultimately founding Mariner Mortgage in 1988 where he would remain as President and CEO until his passing. Under his leadership, the business flourished allowing for participation in many San Luis Obispo county youth organizations and various other passionate causes.

George remained active throughout his life, first surfing then tennis and finally golf. His greatest passions were hunting and fishing, which ultimately developed into becoming an avid supporter for many wildlife groups. He was a very spiritual man and felt closest to God in the outdoors.

George is preceded in death by wife, Angelina Hahlbeck, parents Lavern and Lucille and sisters JoAnn Madden and Sally Juenke.

Services will be 11:00am Friday, January 18th at Marshall Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel in Grover Beach, followed by burial at the Arroyo Grande Cemetery. Immediately following, a celebration of life will be held at Ventana Grill in Shell Beach.

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