George M. Visel , 86 of Pearl City went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 5th, 2018 at his home.  He was born August 11, 1931 in Evanston, IL to George and Maybelle Visel. He graduated from Evanston High School.  After graduation he attended Bethel College in Minnesota where he met Marilyn. They were married December 27, 1952 in Freeport IL at First Baptist Church.  Eventually they made their home in Pearl City. George was a member of the Evangelical Free Church of Lena.

George served in the Korean War for 2 years as a radio dispatcher with the US Army.  His love of golf gave him the opportunity to be a "Pro" at a golf course. George knew he wanted to work with young people so he turned down this opportunity to teach school.  In 1958, George took a teaching position at the Pearl City High School, as a junior high science teacher, teaching until his retirement in 2005, giving 47 years to the same school district; something virtually unheard of today.  George returned to college in 2002 and obtained his Master's Degree in 2004. During his time at Pearl City High School he was instrumental in developing the golf team and coaching for 34 years. He served as a Boy Scout leader, was a Pro-Marksman and a Sharpshooter, receiving a medal for this while in the army.  He was a church youth leader, a Deacon and served as a Sunday school teacher. At school he also coordinated a stamp club, a coin club and a bowling league. In 2004 he was inducted into the Shoot the Bull, Northwest IL Hall of Fame and was runner-up in 1979 for Illinois teacher of the year. George co-founded the Pearl City Park District and served as Mayor of Pearl City for 24 years.  Together George and Marilyn founded "Floral-Feather-Fin" and ran that business for 42 years. They had greenhouses that contained tropical plants, fruit trees and 1500 varieties of cactus. They also raised and sold birds and fish. Weddings and floral arrangements for many events were part of the business as well.

George is survived by his 5 children: Daniel (Ellen), Terilyn (Jim) Kennedy, Douglas (Kris), David (Barb), Donovan (Amy), daughter in-law Connie Visel, 20 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Sylvia Cotten, a niece and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, his parents, his mother and father in-law and sister-in-law Carolyn Delzell.

The family would also like to thank George's caregiver, Uolianna Kravets, for her care and dedication to him over the last 9 months.

Visitation will be from 2pm- 6pm on Sunday, June 10 th , 2018 at the Pearl City High School Gymnasium in Pearl City, IL.  A celebration of life will be held at the Lena Evangelical Free Church in Lena, IL., at 10:00 am on Monday, June 11 th , with Pastor Jim Erb and Pastor Wayne Fischer officiating.  A luncheon will be served after the service. Private family services will be held at Highland Cemetery in Pearl City, IL.  A memorial has been established in George's name.