George J. Kuell

George Kuell, age 89, of New Smyrna Beach, passed away 1:15 p.m. Sunday, February 4, with his entire family by his side. All together as one, we held hands, told stories and let nature take its course.

 

George was raised as an only child living with the basics in a mobile home and often

sleeping in a tent. He became a successful businessman, retiring from corporate life in his early forties. He went to St. Lawrence University in New York where he met his wife, Gertrude “Trudy” Reinartz. Trudy and George were married for 55 years and had two children, Bill and Christine. George epitomized the term “jack of all trades.” He was a reserve in the Marines, worked as a financial advisor, owned a Dairy Queen, gas stations, shrimp boats, and developed “The Pelican” condominium on New Smyrna Beach. George was also an avid athlete. He played college basketball and enjoyed golf, tennis, fishing, flying his private plane, being a member of the Anglers Yacht Club, and biking around town. The day didn’t wind down until he had a cocktail with Trudy and played a board game with the kids. George lived life to the fullest and he made life long friends at every turn!

 

George is survived by his son Bill Kuell of Melbourne Beach. Bill and Pam cared for George on a daily basis during the last years of his life. His grandson Brian Kuell from Winter Haven admired his “Opa” and owns fishing boats and airplanes of his own. Brian’s mother Carol Kuell played an important roll in George’s life and called him her second father. His daughter Christine Kuell Bartos and her husband Scott Bartos of Tampa always brought the fun times and made him smile.

 

George was generous, fun, successful and above all, he was a wonderful person. He acquired Alzheimer’s  in his later years and beat it Sunday to join Trudy. We envision him living life all over again, trying something new and just having a really great time. Cheers to George, we miss you already!