George D. Van Voorhis

George D. Van Voorhis, 81 of La Crosse, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Gundersen Health System, La Crosse. He was born in La Crosse on March 28, 1939 to Abraham and Victoria (Mashak) Van Voorhis, he had one older brother Frank Van Voorhis. He grew up in La Crosse Wisconsin and loved to brag about living in “God’s Country”. He graduated from Aquinas High School in 1957 and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. George worked at Gateway Foods in the office for over 30 years. He married the love of his life, Judith A. Naegle in La Crosse on November 26, 1960 and they raised 4 sons and 1 daughter together who considered him their hero, and he was very proud of each of them.

He is survived by his wife Judy or as he would call her “Sweet Pea” of almost 60 years. Together they raised 5 children, 4 sons, David (Mary) Van Voorhis, Tom (Sue) Van Voorhis, Joe (Judy) Van Voorhis, Mark (Tamara) Van Voorhis, and one daughter, Maria Van Voorhis. He has 11 grandchildren, Ben Van Voorhis, Emily Van Voorhis, AJ Van Voorhis, Derek Van Voorhis, Nate Van Voorhis, Ryan Weber, Noah Van Voorhis, Noelle Van Voorhis, Abe Van Voorhis, Taylor Van Voorhis and Jake Van Voorhis, and 6 great grandchildren, Cassidy Van Voorhis, Sadie Van Voorhis, Shay Weber, Kenna Weber, Antonella Van Voorhis and William Van Voorhis. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother Frank.

George was an avid Green Bay Packers and St Louis Cardinals fan. It was known by all the people close to George, that on Sundays during football season, that there were to be no visitors at his house during the Packer game, he wanted no distractions. George could be found with his buddy Gary Padesky in the front row at every local Central boys basketball game. He loved watching his kids and his grandkids playing their sporting events. He never missed a game that was being played in the area.

George was often teased by his kids that he should run for Mayor and was very proud of the nickname.   He had a hello for everyone that he came in contact with. George was known in his neighborhood and especially by the children that would pass by his house with their parents, as the big friendly guy that would always have a big smile and a hello for them.

Since George had such a large impact in so many people’s lives, it is necessary to make sure that no one is excluded from celebrating George’s life. Therefore, it has been decided that at this time there will be a private family service.   Once the restrictions are lifted, a Celebration of George’s Life will be announced so that all can pay tribute to George in the way he deserved.   In the meantime, Online condolences may be given at www.schumacher-kish.com .