George Edward King

George Edward King, 86, a long time resident of Chicago, passed away peacefully at the Carrington in Lincolnwood Ill Wednesday evening, December 9 2020.

He was born in 1934 in Lyman Nebraska to Ed and Nina (Yeoman) King on the small family farm with his brother (Raymond) and two sisters (Ruby and Kathy). The family then moved to Casper Wyoming where he finished high school at Natrona High. George never spoke of good memories growing up. He said his “parents did the best they could”, but his childhood was most certainly a struggle.  The family lived in a two bedroom, one bath, single wide trailer, in the poor side of town. With coke bottle glasses, small stature, and as skinny as a toothpick, the school kids were relentless. His salvation was working. During school and after he graduated, he always had a job. The job he spoke of the most was setting pins in the bowling alley with his high school friend Richard.  At the age of 19, George was drafted into the Korean War and served in the Army from 1953-1955. After his discharge, he lived in several cities across the map where he found his passion for cooking by working under several top Chefs.

In 1960, George was a chef at the old Blackhawk restaurant in Chicago’s Loop. But after leaving the kitchen for a sales job at Kraft Foods, he found his vocation. While calling on a Park Ridge catering firm, he met Patricia Domanik, a whiz at food preparation. In 1967, they pooled $4,000 and founded Appetizers And Inc ultimately selling hors d’oeuvers to 1500 hotels nationwide. From humble beginnings in a rented storefront on Chicago’s Elstone Ave with one employee, to a small manufacturing plant in Evanston for USDA inspection reasons, and finally to the old Dutch Candy manufacturing plant back on Elstone Av. With 350 employees, they added a direct to consumer line named “Black Tie Appetizer” and ran their business until 2005. After many successful years, they decided to sell the business. When asked about their success, he said it was because of my partner, great employees, and lots of luck!      

At the age of 71, George buys his first house in Lincolnwood to be closer to Pat, but not just a modest house like his previous small condo, he buys a three story mcmansion and had it remodeled and furnished. He liked this house, but said it wasn’t practical for him and he never used the oven or most of the rooms. George did not like clutter so the paper shredder and the garbage can were the most used household items. He didn’t have any interest in cooking as not to mess up the kitchen so eating out was frequent. His Lincolnwood favorites were the Corner Bakery for lunch and Chiles for dinner.  As he walked in these establishments, it was a scene straight out of the Cheers sitcom: Everybody Knew His Name.

 Despite George’s crusty exterior, cutting remarks, and stubbornness, there is overwhelming evidence that he was a loving, giving, and caring person.  His passion in life was the business, family/friends, and the Chicago Bulls. His great joy came from impacting the lives of others who needed someone in their corner.

He leaves behind his brother Raymond, eight nieces, two nephews, and several great nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his father, Ed, and his mother, Nina, his two sisters, Kathy and Ruby, and his very best friend Pat Dominick.

Per George’s request, there will be no services, but the family is planning a Celebration of Remembrance to be held at a later time. Family and friends will be notified when the details are in place. 

George will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered fondly.

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