George Warshall

George William Warshall “Opa” entered The Golden Gates on July 22, 2023, at the age of 91. He was born on April 6, 1932, in Butternut.

Opa received a full ride academic scholarship to Northland College in Ashland, where he was valedictorian of his class and received his bachelor of science degree in teaching. He was also the radio announcer at Northland College and would often use his “radio voice” to impress others in his later years.

He proceeded to further his education by attending Wisconsin State University of Superior, where he received the degree of master of science in teaching. Opa was also a very talented athlete and threw discus and javelin on the track team at Wisconsin State University of Superior. Opa served in the National Guard and would tell stories of his experience serving our country.

In 1956, he met the love of his life, Becky Dunn “Oma,” at a waltz and polka dance. Opa claimed it was love at first sight and they were married on July 27, 1957.

Opa and Oma had one miracle daughter, Martha Mary, on May 11, 1961. They took extreme pride in raising her and would spoil her and dote over her. Opa loved playing his guitar and showcasing his magical voice with Martha Mary by his side.

Opa started teaching at the Park Falls High School in 1961 where he continued teaching for 29 years. He taught almost every subject but his favorites were German (which he was fluent in), History, Global Studies and Politics. Opa was also a debate coach at Park Falls High School and would often brag about making it to state twice.

Opa was a pool director at the Park Falls City Pool for 20 years. He had many special memories there because his daughter, Martha Mary, was a lifeguard at the pool.

When Opa moved to Neillsville, he taught ED students at Sunburst Youth Homes for 11 years. Over his 40 years of teaching, one of his proudest accomplishments was that he never missed a single day of work.

One of Opa’s most prized possessions was his little red convertible that he drove around town with the top down. He loved to do crossword puzzles, word searches and was an avid reader of the newspaper.

Opa played the lottery regularly and thoroughly enjoyed his yearly calendars he received every Christmas gathering. He loved his brandy and playing cards with his brother, Al.

Opa will always be remembered for his passion for music. He played in a band

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called “The Northern Nights” where he played the electric guitar and sang. Opa was an alderman and eventually became the mayor of Park Falls. Opa had the most giving and generous heart. He gave a lot of his money to people who were less fortunate and donated money on a monthly basis to animal shelters around the country. Opa’s kindness, gratefulness and empathy toward others will forever live on through his family. He left behind an untouchable legacy that inspired everyone that he met to always be positive, compassionate and to find happiness in the simplest of things. Opa will forever be our role model, inspiration and hero. He told us that in his 91 years of living that he never had one regret. As a family we will continue to positively impact the lives of others with the gifts that Opa has taught us. His favorite saying was, “That’s something beautiful!” So when The Golden Gates opened up we know those were his exact words.

Opa was preceded in death by his wife, Becky (Dunn) Warshall. Other family members include his parents, Frank and Mary Warshall; brother, Al Warshall; sisters: Dorothy, Rose and Ann; and great-grandsons: Sonny John Pepper and Izzo David Flink.

Here on Earth, he is survived by his daughter, Martha (David) Pepper; granddaughters: Becky and Amy Pepper; great-grandchildren: Summer, Ivy, Breeze and Jack; brother, Phil Warshall, and sister, Gene.

As a family, we would like to personally thank the staff and volunteers at Abbotsford Healthcare Center, where Opa last resided, for their kind hearts, person-centered care and friendship. Opa became very close to some of the staff members and considered them his second family. Thank you for making Opa’s life so beautiful. Because of you, his later years were filled with happiness, fun, laughter and immense love.

We would also like to personally thank The Compassus Hospice Team for all of their services, care and visits. Opa truly looked forward to spending time with you. Your attentiveness, patience, caring hearts and compassion allowed Opa to feel comfortable, safe and at peace.

A private family gathering will be held for Opa at a later date. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.