Yavuz I. Gonulsen, 84, of Springfield, passed away on Sunday February 7, 2021 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born on August 2, 1936 in Izmir, Turkey to Muharrem Gonulsen and Ulviye Hasyign. Yavuz married Linda Stanley in Springfield on November 22, 1973 and she survives.
Mr. Gonulsen is survived by three children: Joy (Kristopher) Stark of St. Louis, MO., Tim (companion Misty) Gonulsen of Springfield and Jason Gonulsen of St. Louis, MO., two grandchildren: Charlie and Ryan Stark, and two brothers: Akin (Ilkay) Gonulsen of Turkey and Aydin (Suna) Gonulsen of Carlinville. He was preceded in death by four brothers: Fikret, Atif, Ragip, Hidayet and one sister Ragibe.
Yavuz came to the United States in the late 1950’s and received his Masters of Science in Civil Engineering Degree from Oklahoma State University. He worked for the State of Illinois Department of Transportation for over forty years. Yavuz and his brother Aydin were instrumental in developing Springfield’s Youth Soccer Program in 1970 and he was an active soccer referee and volunteer. He was a member of the Friends of Prairie Stars, the Springfield Road Runners, the Springfield Ski Club and he completed twelve marathons.
Due to anticipated inclement weather there will not be a procession to the cemetery.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday February 13, 2021 at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Road, with burial to follow at Old Salem Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 10:00am until the time of service Saturday at Bisch West. CDC guidelines will be followed regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.
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