The city of Gainesville is mourning the loss of former longtime city councilman George Wangemann. According to a release from the city, Wangemann died on Wednesday, January 17, after a battle with cancer. He was 72.
“There’s no question that Mr. Wangemann made Gainesville-Hall County a better place for all during his time here on Earth,” the release said.
Due to his failing health, Wangemann resigned from the Ward 4 seat he held for nearly 40 years at the end of 2023. At the time, he was the longest-serving seated member of the Gainesville City Council.
“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve the City of Gainesville for what some would consider a lifetime. Devoting these last 38 years to serving on the Gainesville City Council has been more fulfilling and rewarding than I ever imagined possible,” Wangemann said when he resigned. “While I wish my health allowed me to finish out my current term, I can truthfully say I have tried my hardest to act in the best interest of the people of Gainesville. Thank you for trusting me all these years to be your voice – I hope I have made this Council, this community and my family proud.”
‘End of an era’
First elected in 1986, Wangemann completed nine four-year terms and, at the time of his resignation, was serving in his 10th. Last elected in 2021, Wangemann’s existing term was set to expire in December 2025.
Gainesville Mayor Sam Couvillon called Wangemann’s resignation an “end of an era.”
“George will be missed for many reasons, but none more so than for being one of the most kind and thoughtful people that I have ever been associated with,” Mayor Couvillon said.
During his time on Council, and before the role of mayor became an elected seat, Wangemann was appointed mayor from 1995-96 and 2004-05.
Wangemann was named Council Member of the Year in 2018 by the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission, for which he recently served as chairman.
Funeral service
A funeral for Wangemann will be held on Friday, January 26, at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1234 Riverside Drive in Gainesville.
The family will be accepting visitors from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, at Memorial Park Funeral Home, located at 2030 Memorial Park Road.
