George Christophel
George Christophel
George Christophel
March 15, 1937 – January 29, 2015
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 77
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
George Christophel 77, of Oskaloosa died Thursday, January 29, 2015, at Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa. He was born March 15, 1937 in Mahaska County the son of Merle and Geneva Gable Christophel.
George graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1956. Following graduation George entered the United States Army. He served his country from 1957 – 1963. On April 17, 1960, he was united in marriage to Rosemary Branderhorst at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Rosemary died January 1, 1993.
George went to work for Beadle Distribution in 1965, retiring from there in 1999.
He was a member of the Eagles for over 55 years and the American Legion for over 41 years. He was very active in both organizations and held many offices throughout the years.
He enjoyed collecting advertising memorabilia, especially matchbooks, pens and pencils. He was also a fan of John Wayne and Walker Texas Ranger.
His family includes his two sisters: Velma (& Cleo) DeWitt of Oskaloosa and Marilyn Witter of Pella; a brother, Murriel “Buck” (& Karen) Christophel of Oskaloosa; a step son, Paul “Bill” (& Pamela) Hathorne of Texas; two step grandsons, Tyler and Shane Hathorne; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, George was preceded in death by his parents; and his step mother, Gail Christophel.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at 6 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Alvern Boetsma officiating.
Military honors will be given at the funeral chapel by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W.
As was George’s wish, his body will be cremated following the funeral.
Burial of the urn will be in the Forest Cemetery at a later date. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Tuesday morning after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel Tuesday evening from 4 until service time at 6.
Memorials may be made to the Oskaloosa Honor Guard.
