OSKAR GEORGE AICHEL

Oskar George Aichel, 87, of Wise, passed away peacefully Friday, May 29, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family, singing “When the Saints Go Marching In”.

His father worked for the Virginia Highway Department and George grew up all over the state of Virginia as they traveled for his dad’s work. He graduated from William King High School in Abingdon, VA. George graduated from Emory and Henry College with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and English. George went on to attend Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA where he received a Bachelor of Divinity degree. While attending Union, George served Harmony Chapel in Pound, VA for an internship. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Zelma Lee Meade.

George’s first pastorate was serving a field of churches in Virginia; Rustburg, Concord and Old Concord Presbyterian churches. While here, George and Zelma had their first child, a son named Anthony Trice Aichel. Unfortunately, Tony’s lungs were not fully developed and he passed away the following day.

After serving the trio of churches, George decided to go back to school to obtain a Master of Theology Degree from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. George then accepted a call to pastor Harrodsburg Presbyterian Church in Harrodsburg, KY. While serving here, George and Zelma added three daughters to their family. Olivia Ann, Jessica Lee and Marcia Meade. The Aichel family remained in Harrodsburg for 8 years.

When Gladeville Presbyterian Church in Wise, VA needed a pastor for their church, they reached out to George and Zelma, who were delighted to answer that call and move back closer to Zelma’s home and family. It was in Wise that they raised their three daughters and served Gladeville as well as First Presbyterian Church of Pound. George also taught Old and New Testament classes at Clinch Valley College (UVA-Wise) and served as the hospital chaplain.

George and Zelma moved to Hazard, KY in 1981 when George accepted a position with the Transylvania Presbytery, working with churches in crisis, as Executive Presbyter. He served many churches as pulpit supply for as long as his body would let him. George retired from this position in 1996.

George and Zelma moved back to Wise, VA at the end of 1996. George enjoyed many years of playing golf, rooting for the University of Kentucky and the Washington Redskins, visiting Sunset Beach, NC and spending precious time with family and dear friends.
George continued to minister and teach even into his last days.

He was preceded in death by his son, Anthony Trice Aichel; his parents, Oskar Trice and Ethel Lottie Sanders Aichel; and brother, Stephen Richard Aichel.

Surviving are his loving wife of 64 years, Zelma Aichel; three daughters, Olivia Aichel Addington and husband David, Jessica McDaniel and husband Doug, and Marcia Aichel; grandchildren, Jarad Underwood, Alicia Minor, Nathanael Addington, Jonathan Addington, Natasha Colley, Grace McDaniel, Trey McDaniel, Annie McDaniel, Tara Jessee and Miranda Jessee; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Makayla, Victorya, Colton, Quinten, Lexie, Callie, Aubree, and George-Wesson; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A special thank you to George’s caregivers DeeDee, Deleena, Candace, Brandy and Judy.

Graveside services for George Aichel will be private in the Wise Cemetery. A Celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial contributions be made to Food Bank of Wise County – P.O. Box 2977, Wise VA. Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 24293 is in charge of arrangements.