Peter R. Woerpel

Peter Rood Woerpel, 69, of La Crosse, WI passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital Mayo in Rochester, MN on August 23, 2023. He was born in Madison, WI and lived there for 18 years. He attended college at UW-La Crosse, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education. He then went on to earn his Masters in Education from Winona State University. Peter started working for the Onalaska School District as an Elementary PE Teacher at Northern Hills in 1978. He eventually moved onto Onalaska High School where he was a Health Teacher, Associate Principal, and Principal. He retired in 2011. During retirement, he found unbelievable joy in being Papa to his 5 grandchildren and becoming a bailiff. He also enjoyed volunteering for the Onalaska Education Foundation, Onalaska Alumni Association and Coulee Region Humane Society. Peter recently received the honor of being inducted into the Onalaska Wall of Excellence.

Peter is survived by his wife Deb of 47 years, daughter Maggie (husband Chris, and children Adalyn, Brody and Nicky Pete), and daughter Cassie (husband Ryan, and children Collins and Jemma). He is also survived by his sisters: Linda Caprariello and family, Susan Duval and family, Karen Jones and family and Julie Woerpel.  Peter will also be missed by his two beloved dogs, Belle & Beau. He is preceded in death by Arthur & Margaret Pauline Woerpel, and beloved dogs.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the Onalaska Omni Center from 12-4pm. A short tribute will be held at 2pm. Please dress casual and come for a drink and laughter. Memorials in his memory may be made to the Onalaska Education Foundation for Random Acts of Kindness (237 2nd Ave. S. Onalaska, WI 54650) or the Coulee Region Humane Society (911 Critter Ct, Onalaska, WI 54650).

Peter will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, Papa, son, brother, educator, administrator, neighbor and friend. He had a way of making everyone feel incredibly special and always put the needs of others before himself. He was the true definition of a good man, ethical and loyal, loved with his whole heart, and was so proud of his family. He will be dearly missed.