Gordie Kunzelman joins ranks of retired town fathers with plans to continue community service

November 19 is recognized as International Men’s Day to “celebrate, worldwide, the positive value men bring to the world, their families, and communities.” In our November issue, Stockbridge Community News is featuring Men of the Hour—three men from our own little corner of the world who make a notable difference in our community.

by Mary Jo David

If you live in Gregory, or for that matter, anywhere in the Stockbridge area, it’s not unusual to hear Gordie’s name bantered about. No last name—just “Gordie.” By default, people generally know you’re talking about Gordie Kunzelman, Gregory’s favorite son and the town’s newest retiree.

After 17 years of operating an anchor business at 130 Main St. in Gregory (not to mention the years he operated out of Howlett Hardware), Gordie’s Power Equipment now is closed to the public.

Gordie will be missed for his prowess at fixing just about anything and for providing a home where the “town fathers,” as Gordie likes to call them, have gathered for a coffee hour six days per week when the shop opened each morning.

“A lot of the old guys used to meet up at Howlett Hardware,” Gordie explained. “When the hardware store was sold, I leased this building. The first day I opened my doors, there were the town fathers waiting for me—and the coffee!”

After that, you could set your watch by Gordie’s Coffee Hour. Allowing for vacations and Sundays off, Gordie’s shop has probably hosted in excess of 5,100 coffee hours. Although he’s often working during that hour, he chimes in now and again to help solve the problems of the day. The tradition holds some sentimental value for Gordie.

“My dad was one of the guys who’d come to the coffee hour. I like to think he’s been looking down and smiling on us. I know he’d enjoy that the tradition continued,” he said.

Gordie’s footprint in Gregory is much bigger than the square footage of his shop. Frequently, he is referred to as the “backbone of the community” or the “Mayor of Gregory.” But if you ask him, he was just a town kid, the youngest of three brothers, who played lots of baseball in the neighborhood, became very involved in Future Farmers of America, and since then, has just helped out wherever he is needed in the community.

As a dad to two young boys, he coached soccer for a few years. In 1996, Gordie married his wife Penny, and her three boys joined the pack. Together, they have 12 grandchildren, ranging from 25 years old to 3 months old, and two great-grandchildren.

Outside business and family, Gordie’s forte in the community has been fundraising, emceeing special events, sports commentating, and organizing fun.

His years as president of the Jaycees in the 1980s helped cement his dedication to Gregory’s Fourth of July festivities. The fire department took over responsibility for that day’s events, but as the parade’s master of ceremonies, Gordie still suits up in a costume each year—from historical figures like Ben Franklin and Francis Scott Key, to characters like Charlie Brown. He knows someone on every float or tractor that passes by, and his easy banter as emcee is a big part of the parade’s popularity.

Face it, the man just likes to dress up! When the local Festival of Tables fundraiser for SAEF was still hosting in-person dinners, guess who showed up, in full costume, to emcee?

“He fills in for Santa at my day care and makes it so special for the kids,” said Carrie Graham, owner of CG Daycare and Preschool and president of the Stockbridge Board of Education. “He has always been there for the community—from his days at Howlett Hardware, through helping with the Jaycees, right up to this year’s Festival of Lights, which he will emcee. Gordie never hesitates to go out of his way if you need something.”

He’s been an active member and fundraiser for the local Lions Club, Sons of the Legion at the Mackinder-Glenn Post, and the Stockbridge Area Athletic Boosters. For 10 years, he’s been the organizer of the community’s Monday Night Golf Scramble.

During football season, you can hear Gordie announcing the Friday night play-by-play—a job he fell into accidentally 30-plus years ago. Although retiring from his day job, Gordie is considering many more years of football play-by-play.

“Just enough to give my youngest grandson time to get his years in before I hand over the mic to someone else!”

Jeremy Killinger grew up in Stockbridge and has coached for 29 years, including coaching a number of Kunzelman children and grandchildren.

“Gordie is a staunch supporter of the school district and athletics. He has emceed large events like the Panther Draw-down and our comedy nights. He’s also a huge supporter of our Stockbridge Athletics Booster Golf Scramble. I’m not sure Gordie has ever said ‘no’ to any help we’ve asked for,” said high school coach Killinger.

Through all the activities and all the years, somehow Gordie has managed the fine art of balancing family, work and community service.

“He’s known people in this community forever,” his wife, Penny, explained. “He’s a natural at entertaining and making people feel welcome, and he loves to tell stories. I’m proud of the things he accomplishes in the community.”

Gordie Kunzelman, as Teddy Roosevelt, prepares to emcee one of Gregory’s past Fourth of July parades. Photo provided by Penny Kunzelman

Through the years, Gordie (pictured here with wife, Penny) has managed the fine art of balancing family, work, and community service. Photo provided by Penny Kunzelman