Obituaries

George Edward Junke Sr.: Obituary

Built wooden models despite losing part of his right hand in an accident.

With little fanfare, an Avon Lake legend George Edward Junke Sr., 80, passed away on March 26 Fairview Hospital, and slipped away quietly in his sleep. All his children who could do so, visited with him before his death, and he was aware of their presence.

He will be remembered by his friends and family for his stories.

But he will be remembered, also, for his artistry and craftsmanship, especially considering the work accident in his youth which left him with only about a third of his right hand. The most important piece was there though: his thumb. And he, to his credit didn't let his disability keep him from doing anything his imagination could come up with. He lived modestly and built wooden models of famous sailing vessels, with full rigging, weapons, lifeboats and sails. He applied an exquisite finish to these, and mounted them in hand-made glass display cases.

Find out what's happening in Avon-Avon Lakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As a younger man, he was instrumental in building several houses with friends, the last one for his own family. Inside and in front of that house, he constructed his twenty-six foot cabin cruiser, “The Junke.”

He is survived by his six children, and two ex-wives, as well as the works of his life.

Find out what's happening in Avon-Avon Lakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

There will be an informal public memorial on Wednesday, April 3, at the American Legion Post 211 on Walker Road, at 6 p.m.

Arrangements by Malloy Memorial & Crematory, 1575 West 117th Street, Cleveland, OH.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Avon-Avon Lake