Obituary of Gerard (Sonny, Jerry) Runstedler

Died at St. Mary’s Hospital, Kitchener, on Saturday, May 4, 2019 surrounded by the love of his family, 21 days before his 86th birthday.

Survived by his loving wife, Catherine (Brenner) of 58 years. Father of Tony (Janice), Lisa (Steve) Ringuette, Robert (Shelley), Juli (John) Chinnick, David (Stephanie). Dearly loved by 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Predeceased by parents Anthony and Regina (Straus) Runstedler, three brothers Hubert, Jacob, and Walter and six sisters Irene Geier, Doretta Bratherton, Eleanor Kroetsch, Shirley Lessard, Monica Witmer, and Rose Downey.

Gerard was raised on the family farm outside of Linwood and at the age of 21 went to the big city of Waterloo for his first job at Canada Cabinets. From there he went to work for Ellert Construction and then Economy Home in Kitchener. In 1956 he went to work for Dunker Construction. There he mainly worked on sidewalk and curb construction. In 1974 he was one of the 7 founding partners that started XDG Construction. In 1986 Gerard cofounded GJR Construction Inc with his wife Catherine.

If he wasn’t helping his family and friends, he loved to travel and camp throughout Canada and USA.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Columbia Forest LT Care and the paramedics, doctors and nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital for their care and compassion.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Gerard with his family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Tuesday May 7, 2019 from 1-3 & 6-8 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Parish, 80 University Avenue W, Waterloo, on Wednesday May 8th at 10 a.m. Reception to follow at St Michael’s Parish.

Condolences for the family and donations to Alzheimer Society or KidsAbility may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519.745.8445.