George Odin Hoel of Hudson WI, age 89, passed away on June 4, 2013 after a long, happy life.

George was born September 15, 1923 in Clayton, WI to Odin and Josephine (Felrath) Hoel. He graduated from Medelia High School in Minnesota in 1941, and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. on January 26, 1943. During World War II, he was stationed in Alaska, fought in the Battle for Okinawa, and then went into Tientsen, China to accept the Japanese Surrender. He was honorably discharge on February 27, 1946.

On May 24, 1952 he was united in marriage to Mary Francis Cameron at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hudson. Their marriage would be blessed with five children: Dan, Tom, Cathy, Pat, and Judy.

In 1946, George Hoel joined the Andersen Window Corporation. He worked in the Cutting Department in Production for three years before accepting a position as a Field Service Representative in 1949. In 1953 he was promoted to Field Sales Representative, then Regional Sales Manager in 1959, and Sales Manager in 1970. In 1977, he was promoted to Vice President of Sales and held that position until he retired in 1990 after 44 years of dedicated service. He continued to serve on the Andersen Board of Directors until May 1996.

He loved to travel and thoroughly enjoyed discussing business and politics with his many friends. His faith was a big part of his life and he was a dedicated parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church. Many could remember George’s sense of humor and his ability to tell great stories. Above all, he loved spending time with his wife, family, and grandchildren.

George participated in many charitable, fraternal, and political organizations. He served as a Director on the Andersen Corporation Board of Directors, Fred C. and Catherine B. Andersen Foundation, Carpenter Nature Center, YMCA of Greater St. Paul, and Hudson Hospital & Clinics. He was a proud member of the Stillwater Lions Club, the Knights of Colombus, and the Hudson Daybreak Rotary Club.

George is survived by his children: Daniel G. (Diane) Hoel of Hudson, WI, Thomas G. (Susan) Hoel of Woodbury, MN, Catherine M. Lange of Hudson, WI, Patrick G. (Phyllis) Hoel of Hudson, WI Judith M. (John) Wallace of Afton, MN; grandchildren: Matthew and Meghan Hoel, Kate and Mamie Lange, and Lola Wallace; siblings: Jane Pearson of Loveland, CO, Marion Deal of Hudson, WI, Dewitt Hoel of Clio, MI, and Gerald Hoel of Hudson, WI; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary; parents, Odin and Josephine; sister, Patricia Solsvig; and grandson, Anthony G. Hoel.

A visitation for George will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2013 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, WI. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 10, 2013 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson, WI with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Interment with military honors will take place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery. Memorials in George’s honor are preferred to St. Patrick’s Church in Hudson WI.

Funeral Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson. (715) 386-3725. www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com