Paul Gurnig

Paul J. Gurnig, 101, of Chicago IL passed away peacefully on Nov. 23rd, 2022. Husband to the late Margaret, nee Zimmermann, for 50 years. Father to John (Peggy) and Paul (Dee).  Opa to John, Timothy and Joseph. Uncle to nieces and nephews in Germany. 

Paul was born June 30, 1921, in Kaldaun Germany on a farm to Johann and Anna (Koschany).  Paul had a brother, Alois, and 2 sisters, Marie and Else. Anna passed away when Paul was 3 years old. Johann later remarried to Margaret. They had two children, Helene and Max. 

Paul worked on the family farm and became a baker's apprentice in his teens. He was drafted into the German Army and spent time as a POW in Fort Hood Texas. After WWII he returned to Germany in 1947.  His family had relocated to Ahlen, Westfalia since Kaldaun was now part of Poland. He worked in Ahlen helping to build houses and later worked in the coal mine in town. 

Paul came to the USA in 1956 working for Cudahy Co. in Wisconsin who sponsored his immigration. He left there, made a short trip to California and then came to Chicago and found work with Gonnella Bakery. He later worked for Burny Bros., Entenmann's Bakery and finally at Heinemann's Bakery. A long-time parishioner at St. Andrew's and St. Alphonsus, he could be found volunteering at parish functions working in the kitchen, especially at the CYO boxing at St. Andrew's. After his retirement he worked as a handyman and dogsitter. He enjoyed traveling with Margaret taking a cruise, a trip to Germany and driving to Wisconsin.  

During his last years, his companion was Aurelia Tudor.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 3 from 10:00 am until time of Mass at 11:30 am. at St. Cyprian Church located at 2601 Clinton St. in River Grove. Interment All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society. For information please call 847-685-1002 or visit www.cooneyfuneralhome.com