GUNSALUS, Gerry (Speedy)

Gerry Gunsalus (Speedy), 76, passed away on June 4, 2003 at Springdale West Healthcare Center in Mesa, AZ. He was born April 15, 1927 in Gettysburg South Dakota to Beulah and Harry Gunsalus. His schooling was interrupted during World War II when he moved to Oregon to work in the shipyards. He returned to Gettysburg and married Dotty Olsen on July 11, 1947. He owned and operated Gerry's Plumbing Shop, then co-owned and worked for Gettysburg Motor Company selling cars and farm implements. He was active in the Gettysburg Country Club, Rotary, Jaycees, and was a member and past president of the school board. In 1969, the family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona where Gerry continued selling cars at dealerships including Childress Buick, Bill Luke Plymouth, and Mecham Pontiac. In the 1990's, he worked with both of his sons in real estate selling mobile home parks. Gerry was a kind hearted and loving person, who loved to tell jokes and was always the life of the party. He followed all sports, especially golf. Gerry will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Delores and Mary Lou, three sons, Gerry Jr., Gregory, and John Paul. Survivors include his wife, Dotty Gunsalus, sisters Norma (Don) Harer and Peggy (Harold) Permann, one daughter, Colette Karnes, two sons, Gary Gunsalus and Geff (Lynne) Gunsalus, 6 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. A visitation will be held from 4:00PM to 7:30PM on Friday, June 6, 2003 with a rosary at 7:00PM at Paradise Chapel Funeral Home, 3934 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018. A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00PM on June 7, 2003 at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 6261 N. Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale, AZ. A memorial service will be held at Gettysburg, South Dakota in August 2003. The family expresses their thanks to the staff at Springdale West for their love and care to Gerry. Memorial contributions may be made to Springdale West (for resident activities) Attn: Maureen Purvis, resident activities at 3130 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ 85204. Published in The Arizona Republic from 6/6/2003 - 6/7/2003.
Posted by Karen on January 17, 2010

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