George P. Alcser

George P. Alcser, age 81, of Novi, passed away on July 27, 2023. He was born on September 20, 1941 in Budapest, Hungary; son of George and Elizabeth (Kopp) Alcser. His family moved to the United States when he was a young boy; choosing Ferndale to raise George and his siblings. After he was married, George chose to make Detroit his home and raise his own family. They lived in Old Redford until 1998 when they relocated to Novi.

George attended Sacred Heart, graduating high school with the class of 1958. He then continued his education at the Sacred Heart Seminary where he earned his bachelor’s degree. After graduation, George was selected by the Cardinal at the time to attend school in Louvain, Belgium where he earned his master’s degree in both Theology and Philosophy. His path was leading him to the Priesthood until he was on vacation in Denmark and met Kirsten Jensen in 1964. They were engaged in 1966 and married on July 22, 1967, in a Lutheran Church in Kirsten’s hometown of Nakskov, Denmark. Their union was the first marriage between a Lutheran and Catholic fully sanctioned by the Catholic Church.

In 1971, George and his young family moved to England to continue his education at Oxford University where he worked on his PhD.

George was a professor of Philosophy and Theology at Marygrove College for 49 years. He was the head of his department for many years, transitioning to the role of Professor Emeritus in 2016. During his lengthy tenure he served as a trusted mentor to hundreds of students and faculty, founded and guided many interfaith groups, and was honored with numerous awards for his exemplary service and teaching.

George was a wonderful writer with a genius level of intelligence. He was an active and vocal voice in faith-based communities, bringing together representatives of all faiths in open dialogues with a focus on social justice. He fought for human rights worldwide and initiated many letter writing campaigns to educate others about social injustices around the world. George did not limit his voice to human injustices as he believed all life had value. He advocated just as strongly for animals. He believed the human-animal connection was very important and appreciated the unconditional love that his cats provided over the years: most recently the love from his cat Mau.

George was a voracious reader, reading multiple books at a time. He was a force in the kitchen, creating many delicacies including stir fries, homemade sauces, and flavorful hamburgers. George was also an avid fan of the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, and the Detroit Pistons. His deep connections with others, his determination to make the world a better place, and his kindness will be missed.

George is survived by his beloved wife, Kirsten Alcser; his children, Christine Alcser and Marc (Lisa) Alcser; his grandchildren, Alexa (Diego) Alcser-Isais and Halle Alcser; his brother Peter Alcser; his sister Helen (Sheldon) Silverstein; many nephews and nieces, as well as his extended in-law family in Denmark. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Knud and Inge Jensen, and his sister-in-law Lucy Alcser.

George will be remembered for his inclusivity and acceptance of everyone whose life he touched.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 3, 2023 from 5pm until 8pm at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. A funeral mass will be held Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11am, with visitation beginning at 10am at Sacred Heart Chapel at Marygrove, 8425 McNichols Road, Detroit. Father Tom Lumpkin and Dr. Loren M. Scribner will co-officiate the service. George will be laid to rest at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Amnesty International , donation can be made online.  If you would like to order flowers, suggested florists for the area are Thistle Lane at 248.564.5064 or Adorn Northville.