George Gondzur

George J Gondzur, 89, of Westville, IL died at 8:05pm on Thursday November 14, 2013 at the Danville Veterans Administrative Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Westville on October 30, 1924, the son of the late Andrew and Mary Gondzur. He was a PFC in the Air Force and served Apr. 14, 1943 until his honorable discharge on Feb. 15, 1946. He was a self-employed carpenter, cabinet maker and owner of Gondzurs Cabinet Shop in Westville for many years. He was a talented trumpet player and member of the Local Musicians Union. As leader of Lu George Orchestra for close to 50 years, his big band music was enjoyed by many throughout Central IL and IN. He also coordinated local talent for the Danville Parks Department Amateur Hours. George was married to Joan Deknuydt at St. Procopius Catholic Church in Westville on June 18, 1949. She preceded him in death. He will be dearly missed by his children, Gary (Judy) Gondzur of Houston, TX, Raymond (Donna) Gondzur of Louisville, Ky, Nancy Gondzur of Madison, WI, Christopher (Lisa) Gondzur of Westville, James (Pamela) Gondzur of Louisville, KY, Madonna (Chris) Poggendorf of Westville and Andrew (Anjanette) Gondzur of St Louis, MO; and grandchildren, Geoff and Mitchell Gondzur, Nicholas and Lauren Gondzur, Aaron, Ryan and Lynnse Gondzur, Alexander Gondzur, Bailee and Taylor Poggendorf, Meredith, Jesse, Claire and Benjamin Gondzur. He is further survived by great-grandchildren Lydia, Lani and Gracyn Gondzur. He has one surviving sister-in-law, Lavonne Hart of Westville. He was preceded in death by his sister Mary Conover, a grandson Matthew Caston and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in law. George was a community leader in many capacities. He was an elected Trustee of Georgetown Township for 20 years. George was an active member of the Westville American Legion, Post 51, for 69 years, serving as past commander and also IL District 18th Commander. He also held various other offices in the American Legion including Adjutant on both the local and district level. George was an active member of St. Marys Catholic Church for over 50 years serving on the school board, church leadership committees, lector, commentator, church choir and Boy Scout leader. He was devoted to Catholic education serving on the Schlarman High School board which included a term as board president. He is a past member of the Westville Credit Union Board. He was selected as the Westville Labor Day Parade Honoree in 1999. A funeral mass will be held at St. Marys Catholic Church on Tuesday, Nov 19, 2013, at 10 am with Fr. Timothy Saupp officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 pm on Monday November 18, 2013 with a rosary beginning at 4pm at Sunset-Urbas Funeral Home in Westville. Burial will take place at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Westville with military honors immediately following mass. The family thanks the amazing staff of the Palliative Care unit at the Danville VA during his brief stay. They would also like to extend their sincere gratitude to his VA Home Based Primary Care nurse Karen Sleva and the staff of Pleasant Meadows Christian Village. In addition the family would like to thank James Balsamello and Donald Hennette for their many years of friendship extended to their father. You truly were the "three amigos". Memorials can be made to St. Mary's Church, Schlarman Academy or Danville VA Palliative Care.