Laddie W. Junkunc

Junkunc, Laddie W. The life of remarkably talented man ended too soon. Laddie passed away at home on November 17, 2011, surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was born on July 1, 1938 in Oak Park, IL. Legend has it he picked up a violin at two years of age and in fact he performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the age of ten. He studied violin at the University of Rochester and traveled extensively throughout Europe and Russia with their orchestra. In the early 1960's Laddie played the violin with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. At 30 years old, he switched from the violin to cello. After studying with Janos Starker at the University of Indiana Bloomington he returned to Milwaukee as a cellist and played with the orchestra where he played until he retired in 2005. Laddie had a life long passion for golf. He was a member of Ozaukee Country Club for 22 years where he played the game he loved with his sons and wife. Laddie also spent many years enjoying the north woods with his parents and family. Laddie was the quintessential entertainer, either with his music or a good joke and a Cuban cigar. He will be deeply missed by all who love him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lad and Edna Junkunc. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Georgia Gebhardt Junkunc, beloved sons Nick and Sebbie and his cherished sister, Sandra Junkunc Ausman and her husband Sheldon Ausman and their daughter Cynthia Lachman. He will be lovingly remembered by the whole Gebhardt family, Art and Patty Gebhardt, Ellen and Tom Nygaard, Patty and Dave Neubert, Peter Gebhardt and James McKeon, Sarah and Gordy Hammmil and Mary and Dan Devine and the late Joe Gebhardt. Further survived by 16 nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews who will never forget their "Uncle Laddie". Private family services have been held.