Longtime St. Charles Businessman Has Died at Age 90

The longtime owner of Gunter’s clothing in downtown St. Charles -- a man who emigrated from Germany to the U.S. with his family and just $50 in his pocket -- has died at age 90.

Gunter Karl Hoepfner, of St. Charles, ran Gunter’s clothing at 145 S. First St. in St. Charles for four decades before the business closed in 2000, according to the Kane County Chronicle. He died on Sept. 26.

Hoepfner, a third-generation tailor, opened his store in 1959, stocking it with 50 men’s suit he got on consignment from a manufacturer’s representative, the Chicago Tribune reported in a 2000 article. The store would grow to carry a $2 million inventory of tuxedos, suits, ties, shirts, shoes, sweaters, socks, hats and underwear.

But as times changed, business casual became more of the norm in the workplace and a demand for tailored men’s suits, Hoepfner’s specialty, became a thing of the past. And after 41 years in St. Charles, Gunter’s was forced to close.

At the time w, Mark Jennings, Hoepfner’s son-in-law who also worked at the store, praised Gunter for building the successful business after moving from Germany with his wife and small children.

"This has been a success for 41 years because of Gunter's skill, energy and charm,” Jennings told the Chicago Tribune in 2000.

Per the late Hoepfner’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.

More via the Kane County Chronicle and the Chicago Tribune