Obituary for George Michael Arentz
George M Arentz, 69, died peacefully “at home” on July 8, 2023, under hospice care after staging a valiant five-year battle against pancreatic cancer. George was fiercely independent with a caring spirit. His last eight years of life brought renewed fulfillment as he shared his love of living, art, music and travel with his beloved partner,
Cathy Kehs, who predeceased him in late December 2022.
Born April 4, 1954, George was the son of the late George F. Arentz and Virginia M (Loeper) Arentz. George was
active in Boy Scouts, achieving Eagle Scout. He was a graduate of Governor Mifflin High School and earned a BFA in Illustration from The Philadelphia College of Art (currently University of the Arts). During his college years, he interned with Reading Eagle/Times Art department and was hired directly out of college as a staff artist
responsible for illustration, graphics and design. He was a dedicated newspaper artist from 1976 to 2009. He
later worked at Deka until retirement in 2020.
George valued connections with old and dear friends dating back to high school, college and early jobs. Many
visited him in his final days to share laughter and stories of past ventures. George reveled in solo trips around
the country, strategically choosing routes near reputable art museums and getting lost in his own time and
creativity. He drew inspiration, noting the nuances of studied artists. Until recently, he communed with local
artists during portrait gallery sessions at Goggleworks and Yocum. George filled countless sketchbooks. He was
a naturally gifted artist with an imaginative and original style. George did occasional work as a freelance artist
and won several awards for original art in local gallery shows.
George was a music connoisseur, always burning CDs of his past and current favorites to gift/share with
everyone. He attended concerts from an early age and throughout his life. He remembered the details of the
venue, names of musicians and the friends who shared each experience. George devoured politics with
critical viewing and thinking. He was fascinated with nature and wildlife, spouting little known facts to spark
conversation. His memory was fierce and detailed. The Phillies brought diversion and fun in his recent rest
time. George documented his life travels with photography and was an expert in photoshopping his friends
and family into comical masterpieces. He freely gifted his photos and art. If George were to live forever, he
would never accomplish all of his projects.
George mostly loved his two daughters, Nadine Arentz (Orlando, FL) and Rachel Hill, married to Ian Hill
(Reading), and his three grandchildren, Milo, Sawyer and Rio Hill. Four siblings live locally who shared
valuable time with George during his last months: Janet (John Jackson), Karen (Bill Sterner), Joseph Arentz
(Lori) and Susan Stambaugh. Many nieces and nephews will dearly miss their “Uncle Bunkle” who always
delighted in his company. He often treated them with unique illustrations of their choice “just for fun”.
Family ties led to years of traditional holiday parties and impromptu celebrations with George as a key player.
A Celebration of Life is planned on the two-month anniversary of George’s death. Friday, September 8th will be a day to commemorate George and all the goodness he embodied for so many people. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 1 PM at George's parish church, St. Francis De Sales, 320 North Church St., Robesonia, 19551. A reception will follow from 2:30 to 5:30 at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Reading, PA 19601. Drop in at any time for as long as you wish.
GoggleWorks was one of George's favorite places with local art connections. He sketched in art sessions, participated in shows, and attended movies in this downtown Reading cultural center. Every one of us had a special connection to George. We will honor George in "element"... in his way...
Please come to one or both events to share your memories and see a retrospective of George's ART LIFE in display with original works and photos. We hope to create a show for all to enjoy and “be amazed”!!!
The invite is open to all who may have been touched by George during his lifetime. Please share with those we may not know how to reach.
George was a Catholic man of faith and member of St. Francis de Sales RC Church. Memorial contributions can be made in George’s name to St Francis de Sales Church, 220 North Church Street, Robesonia, PA 19551 and to Goggleworks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St. Reading, PA 19601.
Edward J. Kuhn Funeral home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign online guestbook and share memories at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com/obituary-listing.
Cathy Kehs, who predeceased him in late December 2022.
Born April 4, 1954, George was the son of the late George F. Arentz and Virginia M (Loeper) Arentz. George was
active in Boy Scouts, achieving Eagle Scout. He was a graduate of Governor Mifflin High School and earned a BFA in Illustration from The Philadelphia College of Art (currently University of the Arts). During his college years, he interned with Reading Eagle/Times Art department and was hired directly out of college as a staff artist
responsible for illustration, graphics and design. He was a dedicated newspaper artist from 1976 to 2009. He
later worked at Deka until retirement in 2020.
George valued connections with old and dear friends dating back to high school, college and early jobs. Many
visited him in his final days to share laughter and stories of past ventures. George reveled in solo trips around
the country, strategically choosing routes near reputable art museums and getting lost in his own time and
creativity. He drew inspiration, noting the nuances of studied artists. Until recently, he communed with local
artists during portrait gallery sessions at Goggleworks and Yocum. George filled countless sketchbooks. He was
a naturally gifted artist with an imaginative and original style. George did occasional work as a freelance artist
and won several awards for original art in local gallery shows.
George was a music connoisseur, always burning CDs of his past and current favorites to gift/share with
everyone. He attended concerts from an early age and throughout his life. He remembered the details of the
venue, names of musicians and the friends who shared each experience. George devoured politics with
critical viewing and thinking. He was fascinated with nature and wildlife, spouting little known facts to spark
conversation. His memory was fierce and detailed. The Phillies brought diversion and fun in his recent rest
time. George documented his life travels with photography and was an expert in photoshopping his friends
and family into comical masterpieces. He freely gifted his photos and art. If George were to live forever, he
would never accomplish all of his projects.
George mostly loved his two daughters, Nadine Arentz (Orlando, FL) and Rachel Hill, married to Ian Hill
(Reading), and his three grandchildren, Milo, Sawyer and Rio Hill. Four siblings live locally who shared
valuable time with George during his last months: Janet (John Jackson), Karen (Bill Sterner), Joseph Arentz
(Lori) and Susan Stambaugh. Many nieces and nephews will dearly miss their “Uncle Bunkle” who always
delighted in his company. He often treated them with unique illustrations of their choice “just for fun”.
Family ties led to years of traditional holiday parties and impromptu celebrations with George as a key player.
A Celebration of Life is planned on the two-month anniversary of George’s death. Friday, September 8th will be a day to commemorate George and all the goodness he embodied for so many people. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 1 PM at George's parish church, St. Francis De Sales, 320 North Church St., Robesonia, 19551. A reception will follow from 2:30 to 5:30 at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Reading, PA 19601. Drop in at any time for as long as you wish.
GoggleWorks was one of George's favorite places with local art connections. He sketched in art sessions, participated in shows, and attended movies in this downtown Reading cultural center. Every one of us had a special connection to George. We will honor George in "element"... in his way...
Please come to one or both events to share your memories and see a retrospective of George's ART LIFE in display with original works and photos. We hope to create a show for all to enjoy and “be amazed”!!!
The invite is open to all who may have been touched by George during his lifetime. Please share with those we may not know how to reach.
George was a Catholic man of faith and member of St. Francis de Sales RC Church. Memorial contributions can be made in George’s name to St Francis de Sales Church, 220 North Church Street, Robesonia, PA 19551 and to Goggleworks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St. Reading, PA 19601.
Edward J. Kuhn Funeral home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign online guestbook and share memories at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com/obituary-listing.