John Carl Gudrian

John Carl Gudrian, 87, died in his home on Arch Parkway, Meriden, March 25, 2006. He was born in Middletown, Oct. 30, 1918 a son of the late Frederick and Bertha Gatzka Gudrian. John leaves his three children, John L. Gudrian of Meriden, Joan Davis of West Granby, and Judy Carpenter of Granby, two sisters, Hedwig Gade of Meriden and Selma Elling of Indianapolis, three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Ernest and Atte Gudrian. John proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was honorably discharged as a Seaman First Class in 1946. After the service he returned to work for the International Silver Company, Factory R for 42 years until his retirement. John had been a core member of the Wallingford Rod and Gun Club since 1936 and was its 6th member. He was a past Masonic member with the Meridian Lodge No. 77 AF& AM, was active in the Scottish rite, and a member of the Shriner's. John loved being a part of auto racing and was member of the North End Auto Parts racing team for over 40 years. When he was not working under the hood of a race car he might be found fly-fishing at the Salmon River. He also had a passion for growing plants and vegetables and kept an annual garden of beautiful flowers. He will be missed terribly by his family and friends. God bless you Dad, until we meet again. A Memorial service will be held on Friday, March 31, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT-FLATOW FUNERAL HOME, 48 COOK AVE., MERIDEN. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home from 5-7 p.m. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions in John's name can be made to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 234, Meriden, CT 06450.