Edward “Ed” Pundmann, Jr.

Pundmann, Jr., Edward "Ed", of St. Charles, Missouri, died on Friday, October 31, 2014 at the age of 75. Loving husband of the late Dolores "Dee" Pundmann; beloved son of the late Edward and Ruth Pundmann, Sr.; devoted father of Mary Ann (Michael) Budrovich, Steven (Donna) Pundmann, and Susan (Scott Russell) Pundmann; cherished grandfather of Katy and Nic Budrovich, Michael and Adam Pundmann, Ana, Eddy, and Emmy Lauth, Kaitlyn Russell and Brittany Kosydar (Joshua); dear brother of Richard (Marjorie) Pundmann; dear uncle of Chris (Mary Ann) Pundmann and Beth (Glenn) Miller. He is preceded in death by his siblings Roland T. Pundmann and Lucille Sampson. Ed was the Past President of Pundmann Ford.
Ed grew up a 'Ford Man', as his father, Ed, Sr. established Pundmann Ford in 1925, well before Ed, Jr.s birth in 1939. 'Junior', as he was known to all in St. Charles when he was young, worked at Pundmann Motor Company from an early age: as soon as he was big enough to push a broom and help out around the family business. His professional career at the Motor Company started when he became an official part time employee in 1952. He graduated St. Charles High School in 1957 and Westminster College with a degree in Business Administration and Accounting in 1961.
Pundmann served as a Junior Accountant at Peat, Marwick and Mitchell before deciding to join the permanent staff of Pundmann Ford as a salesman in 1962. He served as corporate leader of the company from 1982 until his retirement in 2007. Under his management, Pundmann Motor Company was first awarded the Prestigious 'President's Award.' Ed was named Quality Dealer of the Year by the Missouri Auto Dealers Association in 1994 and in 1995, he was featured in Time Magazine when he was selected as one of 10 Finalists for the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award. He was an industry leader in countless ways, but most markedly, he served as President of the Greater St. Louis Ford Dealers Association, Missouri Auto Dealers Association ad Ford Dealer Council.
Mr. Pundmann was committed to his customers. He was appreciative of every sale and greeted everyone he could with a handshake, a genuine smile and the heartfelt words 'thank you for your business.' He prided himself on serving generations of families and knew they could do business anywhere. He was honored when they chose Pundmann Ford and worked tirelessly to earn their respect and repeat business.
Ed cared deeply for his employees. Even when it was physically painful for him, he would walk the dealership every Friday and hand out paychecks personally to each staff member. He took time to connect with every one of them and know their families, their struggles and their joys. Hundreds of current and former team members will tell you that they had a special connection to him, and that brought him great pride. Stories abound of Pundmann privately funding financial emergencies and providing emotional nurturing for his work family throughout his 35 years managing the dealership.
Ed Pundmann was committed to his community. His involvements were too many to list, but include serving as President or Chairman of the following: St. Charles County Developmental Disabilities Resource Board, St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, St. Charles City Economic Development Commission, St. Charles City Parks and Recreation Foundation, City of St. Charles Charter Commission, St. Charles Rotary Club and Daniel Boone District Boys Scouts of America and St. John United Church of Christ. He tirelessly worked to help lead charitable and civic organizations, volunteering on the following Boards of Directors: Emmaus Homes Resident Trust, Parkside Meadows Retirement Home, Partners for Progress, St. Charles School District Foundation Board, St. Louis RCGA, Jaycee Village Retirement Home, Boone Center, Crime Stoppers, St. Charles County Work Force Development Board and St. Charles County Road Board.
Additionally, Pundmann was often found meeting privately in his office with concerned community members, elected officials and non profit executives. His guidance was highly sought and freely given. His intelligence, intuition, business knowledge, financial acumen, candor, humility and approachability made him a tremendous asset to all who requested his advice.
This understated, gentleman shunned the limelight. He preferred to be privately esteemed rather than publicly heralded. He was uncomfortable with awards and refused many as he felt others were more deserving, but was truly humbled by the following honors: St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Years, Governor's Award for Economic Development, United Church of Christ Faith in Action, St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year, St. Charles Community College Professional Excellence Achievement, Boy Scouts of America Spellmann Award and Habitat for Humanity Golden Shovel.
Though his achievements were many, if you asked Ed, he would, without hesitation, say that his greatest accomplishment was found in his family. His three children, and more importantly, his nine grandchildren, were his life'¦and his legacy. He is finally home now, with his darling Dee, enjoying their reward together.
What a gift, what a blessing, what a child of God and what a man!
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John UCC of St. Charles or Donor's Choice.