George J. Koval, 89
George James Koval, 89, died on June 24, 2009 at Sacred Heart Care Center where he lived for 4 1/2 years.
George was born Dec. 24, 1919 in Laurel Run, Penn. He married the love of his life, Gertrude Gendler, in Wilkes-Barre, Penn. on Feb. 5, 1949. Out of this love two daughters were born, Virginia Ann (married to David Enfield) of Brooklyn Park, Minn. and Cheryl Marie (married to Raymond Remington) of Austin.
George has no grandchildren, but loved his grandcats, Puddie Enfield, Keike, Larry and LaRee Remington.
In addition to his daughters, survivors include a sister, Ruth Grula, Wilkes-Barre TWP, Penn.; many nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and his family at Sacred Heart Care Center, his very special CNAs that loved him very much, the nursing staff that helped him to get to his ever lasting peace.
George came to Austin after leaving the Atlanta, Georgia’s professional baseball team to play here in Austin for the Packers. He was a star pitcher. He was a Sargeant in the U.S. Marine Corps serving on the U.S.S. WASP where he was a plank owner. He was a father first, a marine second and a baseball player third. He had a long career at Hormel Foods where he worked in shipping and the engine room. This is what made George Koval who he was.  He had a wonderful and full life that only few can dream of having.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude G. Koval; brothers, Nicholas, Mike, John, Russell, Steve, Karl; sisters, Mary and Kate, all from Laurel Run, Penn.; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law from the Pennsylvania area; parents, Ann and Frank Koval from Laurel Run, Penn.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2009 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dale Tupper officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at the church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91 and the United States Marine Corps. Casketbearers will be the people who loved him most and carried his heavy burden of Parkinson’s diesease for him, his daughters and their husbands. Mayer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.