George Norman Gunkle

George Gunkle, 82 (Nov 1, 1932- Oct 12, 2015) passed peacefully in the evening after reading and montoring the news on televesion. After several strokes, he passed from a massive brain hemorrhage.

George's education included a M.A. from the University of Illinois 1960, and a Doctorate in Speech and Theatrical Arts from the University of Iowa 1963. He became chairman of the theatre department at California State University and in 1970 became Professor Emeritus of Theatre.

George directed numerous plays and musicals such as Rogers and Hammerstien's Carousel, Oklahoma, Sound of Music, and many others. In earlier years he was active in the Illini Theatre Guild who produced six major contemporary and classical productions. As a national collegiate player, he contributed to workshops for showcase staff, players, and playwriters.

George had a natural radio announcers voice, which he developed at the University of Illinios radio station and he used this talent to create successful political campaign messages.

George was preceeded in death by parents, Mennow M. Gunkle, Thornton High School Chemistry Teacher, and Mother Evelyn Lesser Gunkle, and is survived by his partner Jeffrey Ward, and close family friends.