Leslie L. “Butch” Vorpahl

Leslie L. “Butch” Vorpahl, 77 of Oconto Falls, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home early Wednesday morning, October 15, 2025, surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle against cancer. 

Butch was born July 23, 1948, in Lena, Wisconsin to Les and Agnes Vorpahl.  Following graduation from Oconto Falls High School in 1966, he promptly joined the United States Navy to serve, protect and defend the United States of America.. After doing three tours of duty in Vietnam, he returned home in 1970 as a decorated veteran, receiving the Bronze Star and Purple Heart along with many other accolades and commendations.

Later in the 1970’s, Butch converted the family bake shop into Vorpahl’s Bookkeeping Service and in 1987, purchased the Oconto Falls H & R Block franchise. In 1988 he met the love of his life and future wife, Shirley Gritt. Together they built a thriving business with a stellar reputation. In 2002 they sold the H & R Block franchise, moving from the Main Street out to the country where they built a new office building and Vorpahl’s Business Services was born, and still exists. When Butch wasn’t crunching numbers, he enjoyed being outdoors, especially if he was doing what he was most passionate about, hunting and fishing.

Butch is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; sons, David (Kelly) of Oconto Falls and Robert of Abrams; stepdaughter, Valerie (Ken) of Green Bay; grandchildren, Brady, Trinady, Kody, Kyle, Leah and Lauren; great-grandchildren, Waylon and Paisley; siblings, Theresa Runge, Phyllis (Bill) Uelmen, Daryl and Debra (Bill) Lolley; numerous nieces, nephews and special friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Leslie and Agnes; brothers, Jerry and Larry; and stepson, Glenn Gritt, Jr.

Visitation will be held at Grace Lutheran Church Oconto Falls from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 28, 2025, A Memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m. in the Church with the Reverend Gary Olson officiating.  Military rites by the Elk-Sankey American Legion Post #302 and the United States Navy will follow.

The family expresses their sincere thanks to Unity Hospice, Bellin Health, Dr. G and the many caregivers, nurses and friends that helped care for Butch.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family asks for memorials to the Eik-Sankey American Legion Post #302 in Oconto Falls.