George Wahquahboshkuk 1949-2022
George “Sha-Na-Ska” Wahquahboshkuk, 72, of Mayetta, peacefully passed away Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born April 14, 1949, in Holton, the son of Levi Richard and Marie (Wishteyah) Wahquahboshkuk.
George proudly served in the United States Marines Corps from 1966-1969. He enlisted at the age of 17 and earned his GED while serving as an infantryman. He earned the rank of corporal and was honorably discharged. He earned the Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars, the Presidential Unit Citation with a Bronze Star and the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal Color with Palm, Civil Actions Medal and First Class Color with Palm).
George was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Tribal Chairman for 12 years, vice president of the Board of Regents at Haskell for eight years, Potawatomi Child Welfare Judge for nine years and the American Legion We-Ta-Se Post 410.
Survivors include his seven children, Sheila Wahquahboshkuk (Toby) of Topeka, Samantha Howerton (Danny) of Mayetta, Georgia Smith (Robert) of Topeka, Noah Wahquahboshkuk of Mayetta, Levi Wahquahboshkuk (Kristina) of Mayetta, Michelle Decker (Kevin) of Mayetta, and Marcus Wahquahboshkuk of Mayetta; three brothers, Roy, Pete and Gonzalo “Gunzy” Wahquahboshkuk, all of Mayetta; a stepbrother, William Jurey; 17 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
George was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Christine Cruz, Elizabeth Vanderblomen, Ada Vanderblomen and Alice Vanderblomen; two brothers, Leonard and Wallace Wahquahboshkuk; and a grandson, Harvey Lasley Wahquahboshkuk.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 20 at the Wahquahboshkuk Cemetery (10130 174th Rd.) with military honors. George will lie in state from noon to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18 and from 8:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.
To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
