George Ivan von Wimpffen, age 84, a resident of Wheaton, IL, died on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at home. He was born April 13, 1931 in Budapest, Hungary to Ivan and Clara (Both) von Wimpffen.

On April 29, 1956 he married Eva Irma Mikucza in Budapest, Hungary and together they fled communism later that year during the Hungarian revolution.

After settling in Chicago, George attended night school to study mechanical engineering while working for the Zenith Radio Company, helping to develop the defibrillator.

In 1969, he purchased a house in Wheaton and over the years spent much of his spare time crafting a home which included many elements of a traditional Hungarian country home. After Zenith, George worked for Duncan Parking Meter, where he earned a patent for a unique fare box locking mechanism, and Packard Instruments Company as a mechanical engineer. Eventually, he founded Savex Manufacturing Company, a design and contract manufacturing firm, where he worked until he was forced to retire due to declining health.

George most enjoyed his work, reading about history, and riding his BMW motorcycle, which he purchased in Munich and on which he toured Europe with his son. He was a member of the Northern Illinois Steam Power Club and enjoyed restoring his antique Allis-Chalmers tractors.

He will be remembered as a skilled engineer and as a man who was kind, generous, intelligent, and deeply dedicated to his family. His family will most miss his gentle strength, quiet wisdom, and elegance.

He is survived by his wife Eva; his son, Max (Eve); and his four grandchildren, George (19), Grace (16), Clara (14), and Joseph (9). He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Hans von Wimpffen; and step-daughter-in-law, Judith Hlinka.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Clara (nee Both) von Wimpffen; and his step son, Charles Hlinka.

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, January 10, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home. A memorial Mass will be held on Monday, January 11, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church , 36 N Ellsworth St, Naperville, IL 60540. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery in Wheaton, IL.