George Henry Waibel

George Henry Waibel, 87, of Winter Haven, FL and Bald Eagle PA, died at 11:40 a.m. on Saturday September 6, 2025 at JTDM Hospital in St. Mary’s, OH. He was born November 12, 1937 in PA to George Otto and Laura Margaret (Cramer) Waibel.

On November 10, 1962, in Winburne, PA, he married Ruth Ann Kyler, who survives. They began their life together in Pittsburgh. In 1965; George moved his family to Phoenix, Arizona. Eight years later, the family relocated in Maricopa, Arizona where his children grew to adulthood. When career opportunities, presented, he moved with his wife to Virginia Beach, VA. In 1996, they moved to Coolville, Ohio. His last moves in 2017 were to Bald Eagle, PA for the summers and Winter Haven, Florida for winters. 

George is survived by:

Daughter: Julie Ann “Missy” (Ted) McLaughlin of Knox, PA

Son: George Henry (Nora) Waibel III of Flagstaff, AZ

Daughter: Laura Ann (Jeff) Plaisted of Pinehurst, NC

Son: George Eric (Melissa) Waibel of Tamuning, Guam

Daughter: Lisa Kay (Chad) Sheipline of St. Mary’s, OH

17 Grandchildren: Nicholas (Shannon) McLaughlin, Brittney (Danny) Bergman, Aaron Waibel-Powell, Brandon Sheipline, Jared McLaughlin, Dane (Allison) Plaisted, Benjamin (Claren) Waibel, William (Alexia) Clemans, Ashley (Josh) Schmehl, Kylie (Bobbie) Anderson

11 Great-grandchildren: Drew (Madison) McLaughlin, Marshall McLaughlin, Madison Anderson, Lillie Tomei, Jaxton McLaughlin, Luna McLaughlin, Owen Waibel, Brooke Waibel, Willow Clemans, August Clemans

Brother: Norbert ”Norb” Waibel of Sebring, FL   Sister: Edde (Tom) King of Lake Placid, FL

George was preceded in death by: Parents: George and Laura Waibel; Brothers: John “Jack” Waibel; Carl Waibel; Paul “Pooch” Waibel; and David Waibel

Sisters: Florence “Tootie” Weed; Alberta “Bert” Kottellic.

George proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged.

He was educated in Phoenix AZ, Jeannette PA, Phoenix College, AZ and Real Estate School, VA. 

He was skilled in woodworking, construction, welding, painting, engines, farming and equine husbandry.

A natural-born salesman, George led an interesting career in auto supplies, auto sales, industrial and maritime products, real estate and horse management.  His awards as a monthly and yearly salesman for exceptional sales and services showed his dedication to the people he served.

George began his love of horses when he was a child in Phoenix and rode to school on his first mount, Hot Rod. He owned a horse business in Phoenix and Maricopa, Arizona and later in Coolville, Ohio. His talent was for training horses, teaching young riders, establishing an Appaloosa breeding program and Equine sales. He was the 4-H Leader for the horsemanship program; an Advisor for the Future Farmers of America, and the Appaloosa Horse Show Organizer. He served as the President of the Arizona Appaloosa Association and held national membership.

Over the past years, George worshiped at Belpre Presbyterian and Coolville Baptist in Ohio; St. John’s Methodist in FL and Bible Baptist in PA.

Private family gatherings will be held at a later date, with burial at the Bald Eagle Cemetery, Blair Co., PA.

Condolences may be expressed and memories shared with George’s family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net or the Miller Funeral Homes Face book Page