Reuning

George W. Reuning Jr., 89, of Butler died Friday surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Oct. 2, 1923, in Wellsville, N.Y., and was the son of George W. Reuning Sr. and Gladys Grastorf Reuning.

He had fond memories and told many stories about working in the family bakery, playing the violin and lettering in football, baseball and track. He graduated from Wellsville High School in 1941.

His college education was interrupted by World War II when he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps, earning the rank of 1st lieutenant as a P40 and P51 fighter pilot and trainer.

After serving the country he loved, he returned to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in ceramic engineering from Alfred University in 1949. He was a member of the honorary Keramos National Professional Ceramic Engineering Fraternity and was president of the Delta Sigma Pi fraternity.

George maintained a life-long love of flying, enjoying the opportunity to serve in the Army Officer's Reserve Corps, fly his family over their property on Dinnerbell Road and treat his cousin Jack Reuning to a thrilling barrel roll in the sky.

George was an active member of St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church for 52 years. He had a strong faith in God which he shared with others through delivering children's sermons, teaching Sunday school, greeting and ushering, serving as a council member, and spreading love and hope through his much loved post card ministry.

George had a strong work ethic and was a gifted salesman. He was the founder and leader of Reuning-McKim, Inc. of Saxonburg, a business which continues successfully today. He was an innovative and energetic businessman, never one to be held back by limitations of any sort.

A lover of nature and working outdoors, George loved to garden and eat the fresh vegetables he grew. He loved trees of all types but spent much time nurturing evergreens which many people enjoyed as Christmas trees.

He had a great sense of humor and led his family in touch football games, wood splitting projects and rousing singalongs. He relished social gatherings and created a party atmosphere whether it was fishing, picnics, church softball games, meals at restaurants or family celebrations. He remained active and enthusiastic until the time of his death.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Margaret C. (Meves) Reuning; his son, George W. (Barbara) Reuning III; his daughters, Suzanne (Keith) Thrower and Diane (John) Bossung; and eight grandchildren, Julia Thrower, Jessica Thrower, Allison Thrower, Erica Thrower, Katherine Reuning, George W. Reuning IV, John Bossung, III and Kyle Bossung.

REUNING — A memorial service for George W. Reuning Jr., who passed away Friday, April 19, 2013, will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 310 W. Main St., Saxonburg, with the Rev. Roger Keller officiating. The family will be available for visitation beginning at 10 a.m. in the narthex of the church. A luncheon for all friends and family will be held immediately following the service at Centennial Hall.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church General Fund, P.O. Box 187, Saxonburg, PA 16056 or to Amedisys Hospice, 240 Pullman Square, Suite 255, Butler, PA 16001.FOX FUNERAL HOME, Saxonburg, is assisting the family with arrangements.For more information, go to www.foxfuneralhomeinc.com.