Gudrun Charlotte Rosenkranz Sturek
April 5, 1942 - February 5, 2026
Gudrun Charlotte Rosenkranz Sturek, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the age of 83. She was born on April 5, 1942, in Heringsdorf, Germany, where her remarkable life story first began.
Gudrun is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Walter Beynon Sturek, Sr. The two met in Germany while Walter was serving in the United States Army—an encounter that blossomed into a lifelong partnership. They married on September 25, 1965 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma after returning to the United States and then settled in Aberdeen, Maryland, where they raised their two sons.
She is survived by her sons Frank Douglas Sturek (Julie) of Springfield, Virginia, and Walter Beynon Sturek, Jr. (Kristina) of Lewisburg, West Virginia. Gudrun was the proud grandmother of Frank Sturek Jr. (Mariana), Claire Zelna (Michael), Walter Sturek III (Kelsey), Paige Sturek, Claire Ruscello, and Ava Ruscello. She was also blessed with five great grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to her later years.
A dedicated and loving mother, Gudrun ensured her boys remained deeply connected to their German heritage. Through countless summer trips to Germany—exploring cities, countryside, traditions, and family roots—she instilled in them a love for culture, history, and discipline. Her guidance helped shape both Frank and Walt Jr., who would go on to attend and graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Gudrun’s passion for travel grew into a lifelong mission. She founded Guddy’s Getaway Tours, a travel agency through which she touched the lives of thousands upon thousands of people. Her work made the world accessible for so many—opening doors to global culture and adventure. While many dream of visiting all fifty states, Gudrun’s dream was far bigger: to experience the world—and she did.
At home, Gudrun was known as the best cook ever, crafting delicious meals entirely from scratch. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, tradition, and irresistible aromas. She also maintained order with a touch of classic German discipline—something her family acknowledges helped guide both of her sons as they pursued careers, built families, and became the men they are today.
To those who loved her, she was known by many names: Gudrun, Mom, Guddy, and Oma. Each name reflects a different part of her generous heart and the life she lived with strength, warmth, and grace. She will be deeply missed, but the family finds comfort knowing she maintains her steady presence—watching over them and guiding them as their North Star.
Her legacy lives on in every life she touched, every place she explored, and the family she loved so dearly.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 11 am. Interment will be held privately at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Dee Williams
Ms.Guddy was a friend of mine.It was an Honor to take care of her.Im sad she went home to be with the Lord but I know she’s in good hands.Nov 1st 2025 was a special day to her.To be absent from the body is to be present with Lord. I love you and I will miss you.🙏❤️
The Schnabel Family
Gudrun, May GOD Bless you and your family and keep your soul in the comfort of his arms. Rest in Peace.
Andrew G. (Gordy) Schnabel
Our condolences to the Sturek family. May she rest in peace and may the good Lord comfort those who mourn her passing.
Frank Schneider
Lieber Frank, liebe Julie,
mit großer Traurigkeit habe ich vom Tod Deiner Mutter, und Schwiegermutter Gudrun erfahren. Zu diesem schmerzlichen Verlust möchte ich Euch und Eurer ganzen Familie mein aufrichtiges Beileid aussprechen.
Auch wenn Worte in einem solchen Moment nur unzureichend Trost spenden können, möchte ich Euch sagen, wie sehr mich Gudruns Lebensweg und ihre Persönlichkeit beeindruckt haben. Sie war eine außergewöhnliche Frau – geprägt von Stärke, Herzlichkeit und einer tiefen Verbundenheit zu ihrer deutschen Heimat, die sie mit so viel Liebe an ihre Familie weitergegeben hat.
Als Freund von Euch durfte ich Gudrun als warmherzige, zugleich klare und lebensfrohe Persönlichkeit erleben. Ihre Offenheit, ihre Disziplin und ihr Sinn für Familie haben spürbar die Menschen um sie herum geprägt. Besonders in Erinnerung bleibt mir, mit wie viel Stolz und Hingabe sie über ihre Familie sprach und wie wichtig ihr Zusammenhalt, Tradition und gegenseitiger Respekt waren.
Gudruns Leben war reich an Erfahrungen, Begegnungen und Liebe. Sie hat sicher nicht nur Eurer Familie ein starkes Fundament gegeben, sondern durch ihre Reiselust und ihre Arbeit unzähligen Menschen den Blick für die Welt geöffnet. Dass sie dabei stets ein Zuhause voller Wärme, Ordnung und Fürsorge geschaffen hat, zeugt von ihrer außergewöhnlichen Kraft und ihrem großen Herzen.
Ich wünsche Euch in dieser schweren Zeit viel Kraft, Trost und Zusammenhalt. Mögen die vielen gemeinsamen Erinnerungen, Geschichten und die tiefe Verbundenheit, die Gudrun hinterlässt, Euch Halt geben. Ihr Andenken wird in all den Menschen weiterleben, die sie geliebt und geprägt hat.
In stillem Gedenken und herzlicher Anteilnahme auch von meiner Familie , Hilde, Achim und Jürgen….
Frank
Fam.Rosenkranz
🕯💫
We too want to say goodbye. You were also our sister-in-law and aunt, and therefore a special part of our family, even though we were separated by many miles. Now a burden has been lifted from your shoulders, and you can embark on a fantastic new adventure with your parents and brothers! One can almost imagine you all falling into each other’s arms and rejoicing. This thought makes it easier to bear with less sorrow and brings a smile to our faces! RIP and see you later! E. Y. J.
Cliff & Dottie Sturek
Walt & family,
We are sorry to hear that Guddy passed away. She was a wonderful woman and we enjoyed many trips with her to New York City to attend the Christmas shows at Radio City Music Hall, as well as visiting your home in Delaware.
Marshall Rush
This is a heavy loss for me as a long time friend of Frank. I was the one who enjoyed many of those wonderful meals that Mrs. Guddy would cook. The family embrace me as one of their own and Mom Guddy would care for me as if I was one of her own. This is a great loss for us all. Condolences to the family. To Mr. Sturek who was always the solid foundation too many of us youngsters who grew up with his son. To Wally who was like a little brother to me as well. But most of all to Frank and Julie who have always been by my side and supported and loved me despite the many struggles that I went through in life. I could always depend on them for encouragement and support. We’re going to miss you Mrs. Gudrun. Rest in heavenly places and may God greet you with open arms! I truly love you guys, God bless!
MARSHALL RUSH
Frank Sturek
Love you, Mom! Life was always exciting with you. The sacrifices you made and enthusiastic support you provided helped me more than you know. I’m glad you are no longer suffering.
Lilo Hanke
Guddy was my lovely neighbor and friend in Aberdeen. We often talked about our common home country Germany! Frank and Walter jr. were great friends with my son George. She was a super mom! Guddy was always welcoming friends, her son’s friends, to their home for a delicious meal. She was passionate about cooking, and her meals or deserts proved it!
Life took us in different directions!
I will remember Guddy as a kind, fun and loving friend.
My condolences to Walter, Frank and Walter jr. and their families.. May she rest in peace …
Jean Buckholtz
So very sorry to receive this news. Guddy was always fun to be around with her positive attitude and energy. We had lost contact over the years, but just seeing her name brought back some great memories. Heartfelt sympathy to the family as I know she will be missed.🙏❤️
Chris Perko
Claire,
Kim told me how close you were with your grandmother. I am so sorry for your loss. You can never break a deep bond of love like that. You will find that she will always be with you. She lives in you.
Chris & Bob Perko
Allyson Walters
Frank and Julie,
I’m so sorry to hear about Aunt Guddy. She was a beautiful soul.
My prayers are with you and Uncle Waddy.
Allyson
Lois Rogers
The Sturek family is my thoughts and prayers.
Julie Sturek
Guddy welcomed me into the family with open arms. She treated me more like a daughter than girlfriend and daughter in law. Despite having no close relatives in this hemisphere she spoiled and loved me like her own. She will be missed. Tschuss! Until we see you again!
Beverly Hayes
I had the absolute honor of knowing Oma and will truly miss her so much. She left an imprint on me and I would love to know more about her legacy, travel and of course recipes! She helped me find the bienenstich recipe online when I could not remember the name of it. She was so fun! Rest easy OMA! With love your puppe!
Walt JR
I Love You Mom!!!
You gave us all Strength, Direction, and Purpose. You also taught us to Care for Family and Cherish Friends. You made it your Mission and Calling…to make Today Better than Yesterday…Every Day for Everyone. You touched and influenced us and the community. Mom to Us…and Mentor and Friend of Countless!!! You Are The Greatest Mom in the World!!! Proud of YOU!!!
Kristina Sturek
Guddy and I connected from the moment we met. She told me stories of her travels, and adventures over the years, and always made me feel like I had been a part of her family for far longer than the years we shared together. She was my second mother, supporter, and friend. I will miss you dearly. Until we meet again, you will never leave my thoughts, and heart. I love you!
Megan Carpenter
Mom and Dad,
John and I are very sorry for your loss and we will continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.
Ann and Christian milazzo
Walt and Kristina, we are deeply sorry for your loss of Walt’s mother. You are in our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time.
With love, Ann and Christian Milazzo
Maurice White
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Sturek. She was always full of fun and had an engaging presence. I will keep Mr. Sturek, Frank, Wally, and all of the family in my prayers.
Gail Angel
So many good times at the Officer’s and Civilian’s Wives Club at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. We had so many wonderful lunches being part of the Gourmet Club and great games of Bridge. Happy to report the couple who bought Walter’s and Guddy’s house in Aberdeen are still there. That home has seen many years of love, laughter, good food (buyer wife was German also), and good times and memories. Guddy was such a thoughtful person and oh how we could laugh. God Bless
Darlene Deese
Robert & I are so sorry for the loss of your mother in law, we lift you and your family up in prayer. Darlene
Tom James
There are people who enter our lives and change us forever. GuddySturek was one of those rare souls for me.
She was my best friend’s mother, but in truth she was far more than that. She welcomed me not as a guest in her home, but as someone who belonged there. In her kitchen, I discovered not only German food and drink—rich breads, warm meals, laughter over shared glasses—but a deeper sense of culture, hospitality, and joy. She didn’t simply serve food; she shared a way of living.
With Guddy, every gathering felt like an adventure. There was always something to taste, something to learn, something to laugh about. The ordinary became memorable in her presence. She had that rare ability to turn a meal into a celebration and a simple evening into a story you would carry for decades.
What I will remember most is the spirit behind it all—her generosity, her warmth, her unmistakable zest for life. She expanded my world in ways she may never have fully realized. Through her, I experienced traditions, flavors, and moments that shaped who I am. I became a Euro!!
I will always be grateful for her open door, her table, and her heart. She was, in every meaningful way, a second mother to me. And the laughter, the adventure, and the love she shared will remain with me always. God bless the Sturek family and love to you all.
Claire Ruscello
As soon as my parents got married; Oma and Opa took us in as one of their own. I will never forget her sweet kindness to us always.
Stan & Terri Kotula
Dear Walter,
Stan and I have so many wonderful memories of trips and visits with Guddy and you. Guddy wasn’t simply the best! She planned and executed her gatherings before travels and the trips perfectly. Those were the best of times! Guddy treated us like family always, watching out for all her travelers and their safety. We laughed and shopped and learned so much on all our trips. I know Guddy is at peace, no aches or pains any longer. My deepest sympathy to you and the family.
Rose Marie Meyer
Guddy my dear friend! I’ve known you for over fourty years & I must say , it was quite a ride , we had lot’s of fun & laughter together but were also supportive of each other in difficult times ! May you rest in peace dear friend , you will be greatly missed !Love, Rosemarie 💕
Joe and Sharon Sturek
Our deepest sympathy on your loss. It is obvious that she lived her life to the fullest. We are sure that everyone in heaven is now enjoying the best meals ever.
Marva & Lilton Monteith
Our deepest condolences to the Sturek family. Our prayers are with you during this trying and sad time.
Sandy and Chuck Yingling
Dear Walter,
We were so sorry to hear of Guddy’s passing. Thank you so much to whomever sent us the card that she was no longer with us. When we didn’t get a Christmas card this year, we wondered how you both were doing. We had many trips with Guddy and Walter, they were the best. We send our prayers to you and your family
Sandy and Chuck
Vicki Christopher
Guddy was the room mother when I taught Frank and later on Wally in the third grade at Bakerfield Elementary School in Aberdeen, MD. Both boys were exemplary students. The rum balls that she brought to the class parties were delicious and intoxicating. They certainly spiced up the day for me.
Bob and I traveled on several trips to NY with Guddy’s Getaway. We enjoyed the shows and the restaurants she chose. She paid such attention to details and she knew how to “bring the fun”.
We send our sincerest sympathy to the Sturek family.
Bob and Vicki Christopher