George Malsam of Wheaton was inducted into the esteemed fellowship of the Illinois Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame at the Awards Banquet on Sunday, February 14 in Decatur. George was recognized for his contribution to the association, the auction industry, his community, his church and his family.
George served as Chairman of District Two before being elected to a seat on the statewide ISAA Board of Governors. In that capacity, he served as chairman of the finance committee, closely monitoring the ISAA budget. He presented state-approved continuing courses focusing on state and federal auction laws, rules and regulations. Goerge resigned from the ISAA Board when he was appointed by Governor Pat Quinn to the Auction Advisory Board.
George has been a consultant for PFI, the largest Western Wear store in Missouri for the past 22 years. He is one of the founding families of St. Daniel the Prophet where he was an Eucharistic Minister and lector. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus for whom he calls their charity auction with the proceeds helping parishioners in need. He served on the board of directors and president of the Illinois Horsemen Council.
He was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, attended St. Anthony Catholic School where he met his future wife Carolyn when they were in second grade. George served in the United States Navy, married his sweetheart in 1957, and later attended Drake University on the GI Bill while working at Sears Roebuck. After graduation he accepted a position at Sears Headquarters in Chicago.
George and Carolyn were blessed with two daughters, Kathleen and Suzanne, and son George Jr., who say their father was very involved with their activities, especially Boy Scouts of America and their love of horses. After 35 years with Sears, George took early retirement to begin a new career with Carolyn’s encouragement. After attending auction school, he and Carolyn started an antique business where his daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren worked as clerks, cashiers, and ringers. With the passing of Carolyn in 2011, his faith, family and friends became even more important to him.
Congratulations to this outstanding member of the Illinois Auction Industry.