George Karl Rahdert

On December 8, 2025, the world lost a brilliant attorney and preservationist. George Karl Rahdert was born in 1950 in Bloomington, Indiana to Karl and Doris Rahdert. The family later settled in the open farmland of Bowling Green, Ohio where George and his siblings enjoyed their formative years. George died in St. Petersburg, Florida after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

After graduating from Bowling Green High School, George attended Duke University, receiving his BS degree in 1972. From there he went on to receive his J.D. from Yale Law School in 1975. Soon afterward, George moved to St. Petersburg, Florida where he clerked for Federal Circuit Judge Paul Roney and began his private law practice. While his focus was on First Amendment, Disability and Property Law, George argued and won two United States Supreme Court cases before the age of 40. For a number of years, he represented the interests of the St. Petersburg Times and the Poynter Institute in First Amendment issues.

George was a pioneer and integral in the renovation and historic preservation of downtown St. Petersburg. His positive impact cannot be overstated. He enjoyed the whole process from beginning to end, with all the inherent challenges along the way.

Preceded in death by his parents, George is survived by his wife, June Morris. Also surviving are his three sons, Karl, Jake (Taylor), and Luke, stepson, Mike and grandchildren Jayden, Kahlen, Lucille, Kaj, Malina, Olea and Eilif. His two siblings also survive, brother, Mark Rahdert (Ellen Wertheimer) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and sister, Kathryn Miller of Brookings, South Dakota, as well as several nieces and nephews and the mother of his children, Sara. He will be missed by many friends and colleagues.

A Memorial Service/Celebration of Life will be held at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 1901 - 62nd Avenue S., St. Petersburg, Florida on January 17, 2026 at 2:00 pm.