Thursday
April 25th, 2024
4:44AM
George H. Runstadler Jr. (Sonny), age 99, ascended into heaven from his Cumming, Georgia residence. He was born to George H. Runstadler Sr. and Norma M. (Haase) Runstadler of Detroit, Michigan. After marring Mary Frances Fahrenkopf on November 21, 1940, they raised 6 children together in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. George was a busy father, little league coach, nature lover, avid bowler and golfer. He also served many years as president and long standing member of the Grosse Pointe Woods Lions Club.
After George retired from Chrysler in 1978, he and his beloved wife Mary, moved to Englewood, Florida to “Live Their Dream”. They were joined by family and many lifelong friends, and enjoyed 37 years together in retirement. Their “best man and maid of honor” in their weddding moved right next door and his two brothers and cousin followed later. A founding member of the Myakka Pines Golf Club, George was thrilled to get a hole in one. He battled the course's alligators for his balls many times, and the giant gator “Big George” was named in his honor. The Englewood Elks Club, of which George held a lifetime membership, was always a place of enjoyment and fun. George and Mary loved sharing their life with many friends. Their home was always a favorite gathering place. Happily, in 2009, George and Mary chose to move to Gainesville, Georgia to be close to four of his children living there.
George will be remembered as a great husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle. The love for his family always came first. He was a “Man's Man” with a tender heart.
He will always be remembered as the light in every sunset, which he so dearly loved.
George was preceded in death by his wife Mary of 75 years, his brother Kenneth (Bud) and his parents. His survivors include - Sons: George H. III, (spouse Cecilia) of Goodrich, Michigan, Richard, and Robert (spouse Sara) of Gainesville, Georgia. Daughters: Patricia (Runstadler) Beever (spouse Ronald) of Gainesville, Georgia, Joni (Runstadler) Bickford (deceased spouse Michael) of Canton, Georgia and Susan (Runstadler) Bomba (spouse John) of Walnut Creek, California. Siblings: Brother Wilfred of Englewood, Florida and sister Lucille (Runstadler) McLellan of Centreville, VIrgina. George leaves behind a legacy of 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. The last born great grandson bears George’s name.
He will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA 30504 is in charge of arrangements.
Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.
