Jurgis Bundelis

Jurgis Bundelis, aka Georg Bundels, age 91, passed away peacefully with family and friends on March 17, 2012 at Foundation Park Care Center in Toledo, Ohio. He was born on October 31, 1920 to Ilse (Brinkies) and Jakob Bundels in Spengiai Kris Memel, Lithuania. In 1940, as a resident of occupied Lithuania, he was conscripted into the German military and assigned to the German navy (Kriegsmarine). In 1944 he was captured by the American military in France and sent to a prisoner of war camp, which he felt saved his life. At the end of World War II he went to a displaced person camp in Heidelberg, Germany. While in Heidelberg, he trained for 2 years for a career as a professional waiter, working in the American Zone. He was grateful to his older brother, Martin, and the American soldiers for the opportunities and mentoring. In January 1951 he emigrated to the United States aboard the S.S. Sturgis with the assistance from the Lutheran Charities Resettlement Service and settled in Chicago, Illinois. He joined the Hotel and Restaurant Employees International Union and was a member for over 50 years working at many fine hotels including the Conrad Hilton and the Palmer House. When he retired in his early 80’s he wore the # 1 union badge. He married Lucille Norma Kratochvil (Kasper) on January 21, 1961. She was the love of his life and they were married 43 years until her death August 13, 2004. He loved Chicago and was an active member of Rogers Park Lutheran Church for many years. Because of his professional manner, he was privy to serving many U. S. Presidents and their entourages during their visits to Chicago. Throughout his life Jurgis was a part of history in the making. Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings Marie, Martin, Anna, Michel, Heinrich, and special niece Ruth Grabazs. Jurgis is survived by his daughter, Pamela (Thomas) Sobecki of Toledo, Ohio, grandchildren Joseph, Ruthanne, Matthew, and Margaret Sobecki, sister Grete Grabazs of Arlington Heights, Illinois, and nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Friday, March 23, 2012 at Lack Funeral Home, 9236 S. Roberts Road, Hickory Hills, Illinois. Visitation will begin at 1 pm and shortly after burial will take place at the Lithuanian National Cemetery, Justice, Illinois. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Foundation Park Care Center for their 7 years of loving care, especially Kelly, Eldonna, Georgine, Lynette, Sheneique, and social worker Kathy Kuhlman. Jurgis loved nothing better than to share his waiter stories and war memories with the staff. Special thank you to Hospice of Northwest Ohio who helped Jurgis on his journey home. Your compassion and knowledge was truly valued. Local arrangements entrusted to Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Road, Toledo,

Jurgis Bundelis

October 31, 1920 - March 17, 2012