George Christian Katsel

George Christian Katsel was called peacefully home in Walla Walla, Washington on Sunday, June 2, 2013 at the age of 94. George was born in Mansfield , WA on September 10, 1918. He was the third of four children born to Orlie and Lida Katsel. George was a hard-working man. He learned mechanics as a child working on his family farm in Waitsburg, WA. He received several certifications in various areas of mechanics. George was the foreman of the Walla Walla County Garage until his retirement at the age of 70. He loved music and played several instruments including the guitar, fiddle and harmonica. He enjoyed dancing and spending time with friends at the senior center. Some of his happiest moments were playing music with the family. He was a devoted Husband, Father and Step-father and Patriarch of several generations.

He is survived by his wife Betty Katsel at the home; 2 daughters, Thelma Needham of Walla Walla, WA, Bonnie Carvajal of Irrigon, OR; (1) Son Jerry Katsel of Lind, WA; and several Step-Children. (1) Brother Mervin (Buster) Katsel of Stanfield, OR. He had 20 Grandchildren and numerous Great-Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Thelma (Clayton) Katsel, Minnie (Clayton-Hays) Katsel; Daughter- Nancy Ellis, Son-Lee Katsel ; Brother- Calvin Katsel; Sister-Esther Anderson; Son-in-Law Ray Needham and (2) Daughters-in-law- Dorothy Katsel and Lona LaRue.

Viewing and Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2013 from 10AM until 7PM and on Friday, June7, 2013 from 8AM until 9AM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, June 7, 2013 at 10:00AM at the Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla with Pastor Joe McConnell of the Umatilla Baptist Church of Irrigon officiating.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Walla Walla Community Hospice or the Walla Walla Senior Center through the Funeral Home.