George S Gunnar

George S. Gunnar lived his life with an intensity and authenticity that left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. Born on January 26, 1962, George grew up in an era of roaring guitars, hockey sticks, and the kind of freedom that comes from carving your own path. He embodied that spirit for all of his 63 years, carrying with him a fire for family, friends, music, and life itself. His passing on September 19, 2025, leaves a void that words can scarcely capture, but his story-woven together with love, laughter, resilience, and a bit of rock 'n' roll-will forever be remembered.

George spent his childhood in Chicago, where he attended Ravenswood Elementary and Farnworth Elementary before going on to Taft High School. From an early age, he was active in sports, playing baseball, basketball, hockey, and swimming during his grade school years, and later basketball and football in high school. His love for athletics was matched by his love for cheering on teams, particularly when the Chicago Bulls reigned supreme throughout the 90's. Those games became a focal point of family life, with George at the center of the excitement.

At the heart of George's life was his family. He shared a lifelong love with his late wife, Laura (Bradberry) Gunnar, his high school sweetheart, who passed away in 2009. Together they built a life rooted in devotion and joy, raising their children and creating a home filled with laughter, love, and music. George was the proud father of Rebecca Smith and Alex (Greta) Gunnar, and the deeply loving grandfather of Brayden Smith, Lila Gunnar, Gemma Gunnar, and Andrew Gunnar. He was also a cherished brother-in-law and uncle to many nieces and nephews, extending his love and loyalty beyond his immediate family. He showed his devotion not only in words but in actions: whether it was showing up, lending a hand, or cheering his children and grandchildren on in their own endeavors, George never wavered in his support. He embodied loyalty, thoughtfulness, and strength, the kind of man who could be both a protector and a gentle presence at the same time.

George built his life's work in construction. He was versatile, capable of taking on many trades, though he famously preferred to stay away from plumbing and electrical. His strong work ethic defined him-he was hardworking, reliable, and proud of a job well done. His work was never just about earning a living; it was about creating, building, and leaving something tangible behind. His dedication to his craft reflected his dedication to life itself: steady, strong, and built to last.

George's interests painted a vibrant picture of who he was. He had a lifelong love for hockey and followed both the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings with passion. Beyond sports, he was a true child of the '70s and '80s-an era of booming rock music and big hair. He cherished the sounds of '70s rock and '80s hair bands, and his favorite song of all time was "Patience" by Guns N' Roses. Music wasn't just entertainment for him; it was a passion and a way of life. His playlists ranged from Metallica's "Enter Sandman" to Van Halen's "Hot for Teacher", to Wiz Khalifa's "See You Again"-each song reflecting a piece of his soul.

Television and movies also brought him joy, with favorites ranging from Smallville and Wednesday to the Fast and Furious films, The Matrix series, Rocky movies, and NCIS. Whether it was superheroes, high-speed car chases, or stories of grit and determination, George found energy and excitement in watching them.

Another passion that defined George was baking. He loved making pies, especially cherry and apple, and his creations became family traditions. At Christmas, he was known for bringing his pies, and at Thanksgiving, he'd help prepare the fried turkey, turning meals into celebrations. His love for baking was as heartfelt as his love for music-a way of showing care, thoughtfulness, and creativity.

George's personality was as colorful as his list of passions. He was described by those who loved him as stubborn, generous, sincere, selfless, loyal, funny, loving, masculine, thoughtful, strong, hardworking, and above all, family-oriented. He was also a man of little vices, and the familiar sight of Marlboro Reds in his hand became one of those quirks that will forever remind his family of him. Concerts were another signature part of his life. He collected countless photographs from shows at places like Wrigley Field and the United Center, memories captured not just for himself but to share with those around him. Music was his heartbeat, and he passed that rhythm on to anyone who knew him.

George's story is not one of quiet existence but of bold chapters filled with joy, challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable moments. He lived his life as a strong provider, a loving father and grandfather, a loyal friend, and a man who never strayed from who he was. His absence will be profoundly felt, but his influence will ripple on through every person who carries his lessons, his laughter, and his zest for life.

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, family and friends will gather to honor George at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory in McHenry, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by a service at 1:30 p.m. It will be a time not only to grieve the loss of a remarkable man, but also to celebrate the life he lived and the love he shared.

While George's time here may feel cut short, the love he gave and the memories he created will endure long after the music fades. His song may have ended, but his melody will play on in the hearts of all who loved him. In remembering George, it is only fitting to echo the words of the music that fueled so much of his spirit. "How could we not talk about family when family's all we got...Let the light guide your way, hold every memory as you go and every road you take will always lead you home."