Paul Espelage

Paul Martin Espelage, 86, of Salem, VA passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Martin Espelage and Mildred Millerhaus Espelage on Thursday, December 3, 1936.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Bruce Espelage, and Gary Espelage; and his sisters, Janet Bunning, and Carolyn Girardi.
After graduating from Elder High in Cincinnati, Paul earned his Electric Engineering degree from The University of Cincinnati. He later completed his master's degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Research University in Troy, NY. He dedicated 36 years of his life working at the G.E. Company, the first 13 years at The RND plant in Schenectady, NY. He moved his family to Salem in 1979.
Paul earned many recognitions for his innovative work at GE and has received many patents.
In his younger years, he coached little league softball and Indian guide leadership. He loved many sports including tennis, football, and rugby.
Paul was a devoted Catholic and volunteered for anything where he could be helpful.
He was a great husband and father. He always put his family first. He will be dearly missed.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 62 years, Johanna von Höfen Espelage; children, Tony Espelage (Dawn), and Janette Espelage (Teresa Beckner); sister, Dr. Mary Beth Kenkel (Larry); grandchild, Tela Espelage; dog Pepper; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, July 13th, 2023, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the John M. Oakey and Son Funeral Home in Salem, VA.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 14th, 2023, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the St. Francis House: https://www.cccofva.org/donatenow or the Madonna House Apostolate: https://madonnahouse.org/donate/#donate-online