George C. Cinert, Jr.

George C. Cinert, Jr., age 81, a resident of Winfield, IL, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026. He was born August 25, 1944 in Berwyn, IL to George C. Sr. & Florence (nee Schmidt) Cinert.

Following his birth, George’s family lived in Cicero, Illinois. During this time, brothers Chuck and Rich joined the family. In 1954 the family moved to Lisle where they resided until 1962. During this time, George developed many interests and skills. These included a love for the outdoors as evidenced by the times George and his buddies spent hiking and riding their bikes through what is now Morton Arboretum or to Herrick’s Lake. During these adventures, they watched the progress as the East-West Tollway (I-88) was being constructed. He also enjoyed fishing both during his adventures with his friends and during trips and picnics with relatives to the chain of lakes area.

George attended Lisle High School where he enjoyed playing football and participating in track. Following another move, George graduated from Lockport Township High School in 1963. Besides sports, hunting and fishing; George added another interest -Cars!! Many of George’s fondest memories were of the time he spent helping his father at the Oakwyn Tire Shop in Oak Park, Illinois. Later this interest led him to the Oswego Raceway where he would participate on weekends.

In 1964, the family moved to Westmont. George met Karen in 1967. In addition to his hunting and fishing trips with friends and racing his 1966 Catalina; George also took time to visit Karen at Illinois State University, where she was a student. During those visits, they often took short day trips to Lake Bloomington to do some fishing.

George and Karen were married August 9, 1969. They lived in North Aurora, Glen Ellyn and in April, 1972 settled into their home in Winfield. In March of 1973, they joined Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church. Prior to the birth of their daughter, Beth, in 1975 ; George continued to enjoy his hunting and fishing trips and shared his love for the outdoors with Karen traveling west to Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Wyoming. Following the birth of son Greg in 1979 hunting and fishing trips occurred less frequently as George took on part-time work in addition to his full time job. George encouraged Greg’s interest and skills in hunting during trips to visit Karen’s brother in Mississippi during winter vacations from school and later hunting ducks and geese on the Kankakee River. The two spent many hours constructing their duck blinds in the driveway prior to deconstructing them for transportation to the river for final assembly.

Greg helped George revive his interest in cars when Greg began participating in Demolition Racing. George often “complained” about the list of things Greg needed done on the cars, but George always found time to help.

Following his retirement from Foote-Jones Illinois Gear in 2010, George liked to take long rides along the Fox River or to Starved Rock State Park. He often liked to stop at the lock and dam across from the park to watch barge traffic make its way up and down the river. George also loved spending time in the yard. He made sure the bird feeders stayed filled and was excited when the Baltimore Orioles and hummingbirds returned each spring. He especially enjoyed listening for the Sandhill cranes during their spring and fall migrations. He always made sure to come in to alert Karen or the kids that the cranes were in the neighborhood. This joy was returned when George became ill and couldn’t be outdoors. Beth and Greg were quick to tell George that the cranes were flying over so he could look out the window to see if he could spot them.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Karen; his children Beth Cinert & Gregory Cinert; his brother Charles (Pearl) Cinert.

He was preceded in death by his brother Richard Cinert and his parents.

In keeping with George's wishes, there will not be a visitation or funeral/memorial service.

A brief graveside service will be conducted at Chapel Hill Gardens West in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois (weather permitting) on Monday, March 16, 2026. The family anticipates arriving at the cemetery around 11:00 to 11:15 am

Memorial gifts may be directed to Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 0S501 Summit Drive, Winfield, IL 60190.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.