George Weisgarber, Jr.

George Weisgarber, Jr., 76, of Strasburg, died Friday, June 23, 2006 in Union Hospital after courageously battling Alzheimer�(TM)s disease and congestive heart failure.

He was born September 19, 1929 to George & Catherine Bonk Weisgarber, Sr., in the family�(TM)s home in Moffit Heights near Massillon. His parents, as well as a loving step-father, Vincent Gabele, precede George in death.

Upon his graduation from Massillon Washington High School in 1947, the Cleveland Indians drafted George as a shortstop. He played in the Indians farm system, mostly in Zanesville, until 1952 when he was drafted into the Army during the Korean conflict. He entertained troops while playing ball for the Army�(TM)s team at Ft. Rucker, AL.

He spent his working life as an employee of the Massillon Container Company, a box factory in Navarre, and drove truck in the evenings for Bud Owens Trucking. A member of the Tuscarawas County Baseball Hall of Fame, he was a fixture as a coach and a player in Tuscarawas County Class A baseball league for many years. He later devoted more time to coaching, both in Class A, and then the Strasburg High School baseball team. Perhaps, though, George was most proud helping his son Buddy with the Strasburg Girls Softball team.

Additionally, George was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing several times a week on area courses with his friends and son. He also liked to bowl.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Eva Rae Weisgarber.

Their children together are Pamela Kay Weisgarber (Tim) Schram and George “Buddy” Weisgarber, III. His stepchildren are Charles Douglas (Lucy) Wood and Harry Edward (Bonnie) Wood, all of Strasburg. His son, Rex Allen Weisgarber, preceded him in death. Seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren complete his family. His siblings are: Katherine “Fuzz” Weisgarber Hollender of Massillon and David E. Weisgarber of Winter Haven, Florida, and a step-sister, Linda Gabele of Massillon. A sister, Virginia Wagner, also preceded him in death.

Holy Communion in celebration of George's life will be held Monday, June 26, at 2:00 p.m. in First Lutheran Church at Strasburg with Pastor Steven Woyen officiating. Interment will be in Strasburg's Grandview Union Cemetery. Friends may call in the church, one hour prior to services on Monday.

Those unable to attend or wishing to share a fond memory may sign the online register book for George by visiting the 'obituaries' link on the funeral home's website.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to First Lutheran Church, 211 8th St. SW, Strasburg.

Toland-Herzig
(330) 878-5565
www.tolandherzig.com