Obituary of George Kristel

George A. Kristel, 97, died peacefully on Friday, April 15, after a brief illness. George was born in Schenectady, the son of the late Ignatius and Julia (Minich) Kristel. He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph and sisters, Victoria Kristel and Eleanor Fleming. George is survived by his beloved wife, Magdalon and his loving sons, Bradley G. Kristel (Carol) of Indianapolis, Melvyn M. Kristel (Barbara) of Schenectady and Robert L. Kristel, CPA (Janet) of Niskayuna. Survivors also include his grandchildren, Randy Kristel (Margaret), Dawn Spencer (Allen), Sharon Moman (David), David Kristel (Mindy), Wendy Lewis (Ray), Kim Steckman (Terry), Renee Mills, Melvyn Kristel (Debra), Michelle Kristel (Genevieve), Kristine Kristel Papp (Scott), and Robert Kristel (Marina). He is also survived by 17 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. George graduated from Nott Terrace High School in 1933 and the University of Notre Dame in 1937. It was at the University of Notre Dame where he met his true love, Magdalon (Marge) Lannoo, of Mishawaka, Indiana. On March 30, 2011, George and Marge celebrated 74 years of a wonderful marriage. George was employed by the W T Grant Company on State Street in Schenectady as a manager until 1961. Later that year, George and Marge re-opened the landmark Kristel Inn Restaurant on Saratoga Road in Burnt Hills, which had been in the family since 1926. George and Marge operated the business until they retired in 1977. George was a communicant of the Church of the Immaculate Conception for more than 50 years. He was a member of the Lions Club and the Rotary. He and Marge enjoyed golfing at the former Walhalla Country Club in Rexford. George was an avid gardener and loved to be outdoors. His gardens on Harmon Road were admired by all that passed by. George enjoyed watching the Notre Dame football and basketball games. He was a proud member of the Notre Dame Alumni Association for over 70 years. The family wishes to thank David Brown and the entire staff at the Ellis Hospital Residential Center and to extend most sincere gratitude to the Reverend Jerome Gingras for his many visits with George. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 19, at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Immaculate Conception at 400 Saratoga Road in Glenville, with the Rev. Jerome Gingras officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday morning, from 8:30 until 10:15 a.m. at the Daly Funeral Home. Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery on Kings Road in Schenectady. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in George's memory to the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Glenville or to a charity of one's choice.