Leslie L. (Butch) Vorpahl passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 15, 2025, surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle against cancer.
Butch was born on July 23, 1948, to Les and Agnes Vorpahl in Lena. After graduating from Oconto Falls High School in 1966, he promptly joined the U.S. Navy to serve, protect and defend the USA. 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 1970s, 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 H&R Block, moving from 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; and many nieces, nephews and special friends.
He was preceded in death by parents, Leslie and Agnes; brothers, Jerry and Larry; and stepson, Glenn Gritt Jr.
Visitation will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls on Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. followed by a military honor guard salute.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Unity Hospice, Bellin Health, Dr. G and the many caregivers, nurses and friends that helped care for Butch.
In lieu of other memorials, the family asks for donations to be made to the Eik-Sankey American Legion Post 302 in Oconto Falls.
