George Francis Backert Jr.

Elkhart – George Francis Backert Jr. 76, passed away on April 2, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

George was born on May 2, 1949, in Elkhart, Indiana, to the late George F. Backert Sr. and Ruth Eileen (Fletcher) Backert. After attending Elkhart High School, he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps 9th Marines (The Walking Dead) from August 1966 to September 1969 during the Vietnam War in the 1968 TET offensive.

Following his military service, George built a dedicated career in the RV industry, beginning with Blazon and later retiring from Hiline. He was known as a hardworking and dependable man who took pride in everything he did.

George met the love of his life, Rose Niedosik, at BJ Stars where George was a Karaoke DJ for 18 years, and the two were united in marriage on December 2, 2024, in Elkhart. Together, they shared a deep bond filled with love, laughter, and companionship.

A member of Club 15, an avid golfer, and a lifetime member of the VFW, George was a man of faith who believed in the Lord. He had a passion for music and mastered playing the drums, appearing on the DD Donavan Show at 10 years old, performing in numerous churches, and various bands over the years, including Red Hot and the Ice Cubes, and Time Machine. He was especially honored to have been personally invited to play with The Little Jimmy Dickens Band. George also had a wonderful sense of humor and was known for his quick wit and enjoying a good joke.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rose Backert; his son, George Scott Backert; stepdaughters, Laura (Chris) Zalas, Lisa (Matt) Hairopoulos, and Jenn (Brian) Davis; numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; his sister, Sandra Masten; his brother, Rob Backert; as well as niece and nephews, Michael Masten Jr, Dawn Masten, Robbie Backert, Chad Backert and many cherished friends.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, April 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a funeral service immediately following at 1:00 p.m., at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola, Indiana.

Military graveside honors by the United States Marine Corps with The Elkhart Area Marines assisting, will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Garden of Everlasting Life.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Center for Hospice, Mishawaka, IN https://foundationforhospice.org/donate/