On Tuesday January 26, 2021, Gary Lee Gunn – Adored father, loving husband, treasured Papa – passed peacefully to his heavenly home surrounded by his family at the age of 74. Gary made a grand entrance into this world November 1, 1946 in Edgar, NE to Gayle and Arlyne Gunn. He was baptized at his home in Edgar, NE in 1947 and confirmed his faith in the Lord at the Hardy Union Church in 1959.
As a kid, Gary could always be found outside – riding horses, helping on the farm, fishing, playing with cousins and working hard to keep his sister Barbara on her toes. He graduated from Hardy High School in 1965 where he was a standout athlete. He later studied coaching and physical education at Kearney State College where he continued his football career and served in the Army National Guard. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Arleeta Doehring. They were united in marriage in 1970. After completing his studies, he returned to the farm to begin his legendary 50-year farming career.
He loved the farm, hunting, fishing, horses and livestock. He approached his farming in the same way that he approached his life – with hard work, humility and humor. Gary’s greatest accomplishment in his life was his family. He and Arleeta were blessed with three daughters: Angie, Jody & Marcy. Anyone who knew Gary, knew his girls were the light of his life. He grounded his family in a bond of faith and love. This was demonstrated by countless memories - fishing, camping, vacations, school activities, Nanathons, hunting camps and weekends at Papa and Nana’s.
While Gary had many accomplishments in this life, he will be remembered most for the people he impacted. He was large in stature, character and heart - a stranger to no one and a friend to many. He loved to make people laugh! He cheered for the underdog, found the best in everyone, and always left the room a little happier than he found it. While he didn’t pursue a teaching career, he was “the professor” to many – particularly at Gunn University. To all the students he has mentored through the years, you must now become the teacher. The professor is officially on sabbatical.
Gary was proceeded in death by his parents Gayle and Arlyne Gunn and his sister Barbara Eitzmann.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years Arleeta Gunn; his three daughters Angela (Layne) Gissler, Jody (Jeremiah) Vondra, Marcy (Mathew) Kremer; grandchildren - Seth & Peyton Gissler, Victoria & Quinlan Vondra, Kamryn & Kashton Kremer; nieces & nephews – Tony (Joni) Eitzmann, Kris (Rob) Ostdiek, Shelly Doehring, Madison (Ryan) Early, Joshua Doehring, Tyler (Kate) Doehring, Carley (Nathaniel) Zuercher; and a host of family and friends.
Funeral services for Gary Gunn will be held 10:00am Friday, January 29, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in Chester, NE with Pastor Brian Faust officiating. A private family burial will be in the Chester City Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 28, 2021 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at the Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home in Belleville, KS. The family will be present to receive visitors from 6pm to 8pm.
Memorials may be made to the Chester UMC, Chester Fire & Rescue, American Cancer Society, and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Masks or facial coverings are required at the visitation and funeral service.
Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home of Belleville assisted the Gunn family with these arrangements, www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com