GEORGE STANLEY REHDER Sr.

GEORGE STANLEY REHDER, SR.

On Monday, October 01, 2012 George Stanley Rehder, Sr. was welcomed home by his God and Savior and was surrounded by the things he loved and enjoyed seeking all his life - his family, a field of Venus Fly Traps, a real Carolina Cougar and a winning hand of cards. The angels sang and his magnificent bass voice joined their heavenly choir.

Stanley was born in Wilmington, NC on February 11, 1922 to Jessie Stewart Rehder and Carl Frederick William Rehder and from that day forward he enjoyed every day of his life to the fullest. Stanley, his brothers Henry and Billy, and sister Jessie C. Rehder were part of a creative and truly charming set of siblings that loved their southern roots and kept family traditions alive for generations that followed them.

As a young man, Stanley enjoyed fishing, hunting and exploring the woods surrounding Wilmington. He was a Boy Scout and reached the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from New Hanover High School in 1939 and began his college studies at North Carolina State College, now NC State University. While in college he joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps and interrupted his studies to begin serving in the United States Army infantry in France and Germany in the 66th Combat Infantry earning the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. On Christmas Eve of 1944 while crossing the English Channel to Cherbourg, France the Leopoldville, the troop transport ship he was on, was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat. This event, which took the lives of more than 800 soldiers profoundly impacted his life. He was discharged in March of 1946 and received a Bronze Star Service Metal in recognition of his service. He then continued his education at NC State College earning a degree in Horticulture.

Returning to Wilmington, he joined the family florist business, Will Rehder's Florist, and was active in the NC Commercial Flower Growers Association, eventually serving as president. He owned and operated Rehder's Greenhouses on North 11th Street for more than 25 years. Later, at the request of the local community he created Calvary Memorial Cemetery on the former site of the wholesale florist business. He was also a successful commercial real estate broker and took pride in linking property to the people who wanted to see the Wilmington area grow and prosper.

Stanley was very proud of his association with St. John's Masonic Lodge, rising in Scottish rite to 33rd degree mason and treasured the friendship with his Masonic brothers. Stanley was an active Kiwanian for several decades, and was an active volunteer with the American Red Cross and served as the disaster chairman for many years. He was a member of the Cape Fear Country Club and the Cape Fear Club, the two locations where he spent most weekdays in the company of close friends who shared his love of card games and great stories.

In 1948 he and his fiancé, Louise, were the official escorts to the first Azalea Queen, Jacqueline White, and he continued active participation in the Azalea Festival, serving as President in 1965. He especially enjoyed heading the parade and transportation committees and this past April attended his favorite events, the Airlie Luncheon and Past Presidents' gathering.

Stanley Rehder learned about Venus' Flytraps and the various varieties of Sarracenia (pitcher) plants from his father, Will, and for more than 80 years he and his brother, Henry, enjoyed locating and cataloging the sites where these native plants flourished. He spent many years helping to cultivate a showcase of insectivorous plants behind Alderman School where today visitors can see the fruits of his efforts. To share his love and knowledge of the rare plants, he appeared on national television shows That's Incredible, Good Morning America, and The Today Show where he had the privilege of being interviewed by Barbara Walters. This spring, the City of Wilmington officially named the garden he created off of Independence Boulevard, the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden.

Stanley's grandparents were founding members of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was active in this church throughout his life. With his booming bass voice and love of music, he was an asset to the church choir for many years. He served as President of the Church Council and led the Wednesday night prayer group at St. Paul's and the Sunday church group at Lake Shore Commons, until he moved to Champions Assisted Living in February of this year.

He is predeceased by his first wife, Louise Davis Rehder, the mother of his surviving children, George Stanley Rehder, Jr. of Wilmington and Southport, NC and his daughter, Julia (Julie) Louise Rehder (Jack Krupicka) of Wilmington, NC. He was also predeceased by his second wife, Elizabeth Lyndon Rehder and is fondly remembered by step-daughters, Leigh Williams Adam (Mel) and Elise Williams Zalesky (Roy) and his dear and very special step-granddaughter, Hanna Zalesky. He is also survived by nephews Perrin Quarles, Robert Rehder, Henry Rehder, Jr., and niece, Kristin Rehder.

The family wishes to thank the wonderfully caring staff of Champions Assisted Living and for the past three weeks, the angels on earth at The Health Care Center at The Davis Community, where he received both excellent and compassionate care from his caregivers and support staff. The family also wishes to acknowledge Stanley's two amazing companions for the last two months, Lynne Fender and Clancy Thompson, who made his days comfortable, interesting and full of laughter when the family could not be with him. Previously, while at Lake Shore Commons, Kathy Tattersall and Peggy Moore were his confidants and caregivers allowing Stanley to remain independent for as long as possible. Thanks must also be expressed to the vast number of physicians and medical personnel who served him, especially Dr. Kevin Brennan and staff of Wilmington Health. For a few short days Stanley and the family were pleased to be a part of the Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter family.

Visitation will be at Market Street Chapel of Andrews Mortuary on Wednesday, October 3 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. The Funeral service will be held at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church at 6th and Market Street at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 4 with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall. Burial will follow the service at the Rehder family plot at Oakdale Cemetery at 1:00 PM for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Stanley's name to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12 North 6th Street or to the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, 131 Racine Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 for the continued preservation efforts of the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com

Andrews Market Street Chapel



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