George St. Catherine

George St. Catherine, 92, passed away on January 13, 2026, at his home. He was born on April 24, 1933, in Hurley, where his lifelong love of sports, education, and community first took root.

George dedicated his life to students, athletes, and schools across northern Wisconsin. He began his career as a physical education teacher and football coach, later becoming a social studies teacher and head football coach. After four years, he stepped into administration, serving first as a high school principal and then as a district administrator. George served as district administrator in Webster, for 12 years and later in Three Lakes, where he proudly completed 10 years of service before retiring in 1989. Retirement meant George could follow through on another lifetime dream of exploring the great wilderness of Alaska and sharing his love for fishing and telling stories as a fishing guide. Throughout his career, he was known for his leadership, fairness, and deep care for young people. 

A lifelong athlete, George played football at Hurley High School and later at the University of Wisconsin–Superior. His impact on athletics earned him induction into the UW–Superior Athletic Hall of Fame in 1973 as an “outstanding athlete, educator, and coach,” and the Hurley High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001. His love of the game never faded, he officiated WIAA basketball from 1961 to 1986 and remained an enthusiastic supporter of football and basketball throughout his life. 

Outside of sports, George loved the outdoors and could often be found hunting or fishing. He was also a talented woodworker who took pride in carving ducks, fish, and his well-known custom signs by hand. In recent years, George became a beloved and familiar presence at the YMCA of the Northwoods - Beck Family Center, Rhinelander. He took great pride in being one of its most dedicated supporters and was often a friendly face many encountered there. George especially loved selling tickets for the YMCA’s annual Denim and Diamonds fundraiser, a role he embraced with enthusiasm. He was also known for greeting children in the hallways with his trademark smile and saying, “A fist pump for George!” — a small gesture that perfectly captured his warmth and joy. George was very proud to have been recognized multiple times with awards from the YMCA community. 

George was preceded in death by his parents, Angelo and Anna, his sister Norma, brother Jacko, and his son, Kash St. Catherine. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Terri St. Catherine; his daughter, Luanne Applekamp (David); step-children Val Dreger (Louie), Randy Ingram (Amy), and Dave Ingram; grandchildren Amanda, Andrew, Angela, Devin, Lukas, Jesse, Brandi, Josh, Brandon, Emily, Eric, Claire, and Chloe; and many great-grandchildren, all of whom will cherish his legacy of kindness, dedication, encouragement, and the sounds of the harmonica, with a little jig. 

The visitation for George will be held on Friday, Jan. 23, at St. Kunegunda of Poland Catholic Church, located at 6895 Highway 17, Sugar Camp, from 9:30 to the 11 a.m. memorial Mass. Fr. Raja Birusu and Dn. Al Goodrich will officiate.

Inurnment will be held this summer at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Hurley. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests a donation to the YMCA of the Northwoods - Beck Family Center, Rhinelander or your attendance at the next annual Denim and Diamonds.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.