George Fredrick Bauknecht, Jr.

“George is an enigma.” His doctor said, totally perplexed, having no other explanation for the family on how our Dad had survived for decades with a serious heart condition back in 2013. Not only had he survived, but he did so while living a more than active life full of family, laughter, work, love, and of course, adventure. He was always somehow pulling off feats of marvel or intellect using some mysterious talent no one even knew he had, and he was all theirs. George F. Bauknecht Jr. passed away at St. Anne’s Hospital on Saturday March 27th, 2021. He was born on Thursday March 28th, 1935 at home in Toledo, Ohio. George was larger than life. He was tough. He was the model of the post-war American male. It was like someone pulled John Wayne, Marlon Brando, and Humphrey Bogart down from the silver screen, rolled them into one. A rumbling force of nature, with great style. While the roar of a Mustang and the smell of a leather jacket freshly bitten by crisp fall winds would never quite leave him. George was a Boom Operator for the United States Air Force traveling the world and also a Korean War Veteran. While stationed at McDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida he witnessed the filming of “Strategic Air Command” with Jimmy Stewart in 1955. Our Dad traded in military life, started a family, and went to work for Ohio Bell and AT&T. Hard working, determined, yet writing his own rule book, George retired at age 50 and started W.I.R. Communications with Herb Royal and Jack Newmyer. Our Dad enjoyed golfing with friends, Sunday Crossword Puzzles, attending car shows, and collecting cars. His favorite was a 1965 Corvette Stingray Roadster. A lover of jazz music, he looked forward to attending the River Raisin Jazz Festival in Monroe, Michigan with his family every summer. George was the guy you always wanted to talk to before anyone else in the room, but before you could start the conversation he already had you laughing and pulling up a stool to the counter. He inspired multiple generations of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with tales of adventure, moments of wonder, guidance, knowledge, support, and of course, unconditional love for us all. He will be missed very much and we will cherish our last days with him. He was a kind, caring Father full of wisdom and good advice. We could talk to him about anything and we always said… “Just Ask Dad”! He was preceded in death by: Martha Cherry (Mother), George Bauknecht Sr. (Father), his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Diana Bauknecht (Wife) He leaves behind Daughters: Susan Russell, Cynthia Wilczynski (Richard), Gail Rybka (Mark), and Son Steve Bauknecht. Grandchildren: Candace Hatmaker (Andrew), Jay Wilczynski, Dustin Rybka, Alyssa Dymarkowski (Brian), Chris Newman (Courtney), Kelly Whilden (Ryan), Leah Bauknecht, Steven and Jaden Bauknecht. Great Grandchildren: Drew, Avery, Zachary, Graham, Penelope, Michelangelo, and Case. His final resting place will be at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo, Ohio. A celebration of his life will be at a later time. Walker Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. “You never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory”. Donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.