George Edward Tabbert

George Edward Tabbert Sr., 86, of Onalaska, died on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at his home. He was born on June 29, 1928 in La Crosse to Lihle “John” and Vera (Kowitz) Tabbert. George was a graduate of Logan High School and served with the US Marine Corps for six years. He was stationed in occupied Japan and northern China and was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant. He married Estelle Harnisch on April 9, 1954 in Onalaska. George was a tool and die maker for several local companies including his own, GT Tool and Die. He also worked as a real estate broker for many years; the last company he worked at was the Wheeler Company.
George is survived by his wife Estelle, three children, Kathy Hughes of Highlands Ranch, CO, Jane (Jeff) Bushek of Madison, and George Tabbert Jr. of Onalaska, three grandchildren, Christopher (Kaycee) Portscheller of Austin, TX, Mariah Bushek of Madison and Ciara Bushek of Madison, a great-grandchild, Leighton Portscheller of Austin, TX, two sisters, Vera (Ray) Smith of La Crosse and Alma Brown of Clovis, NM, a brother Lynn Tabbert of Holmen, two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Harnisch of La Crosse and Edna Guenther of Onalaska, a brother-in-law, Merlin Westlie of Galesville, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Michael, three brothers, Jack, Lihle, and Roger, a son-in-law, Randy Hughes, and his lifelong Marine Corps buddy, William “Bill” Arndt.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, March 13 at 11:00 AM at the Onalaska City Cemetery with Pastor Scott Skogen officiating.