Larry Gunhus, 90

DECORAH - Larry T. Gunhus, 90, of Decorah, Iowa passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side on September 6, 2022. 

Funeral services were scheduled to be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at Decorah Lutheran Church with Rev. Peter Kowitz presiding.  Burial was held at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cresco with military rites. 

Larry Thelmar Gunhus was born on May 27, 1932, in Cresco to Arthur and Evelyn (Benson) Gunhus. He grew up on the family farm, received his education at Orleans No. 6 country school, graduating from Ridgeway High School in 1951. 

Larry was baptized at Orleans Lutheran Church, confirmed and member of Cresco First Lutheran church where he served as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, Congregation President. He has been a member of Decorah Lutheran Church for the last 47 years.

Larry enlisted in the U.S. Navy for four years, serving in the Korean War. After boot training in San Diego, he completed air technical training in Tennessee.  He served 18 months overseas at the Naval Air Station Agana, Guam.  Returning stateside he had duty stations at N.A.S. North Island Coronado, Ca.; guard and shore patrol duty at the Naval Brig in San Diego and with Fighter Squadron VF-142 at N.A.S. Miramar, Ca. which deployed aboard aircraft carriers. He received Honorable Discharge May 20, 1955.

During his service time, on Nov. 1, 1953 he married his high school sweetheart Virginia Sanderson. They lived at Coronado and Miramar, Calif., moving back to Cresco in 1955 when he began working for the Iowa Highway Dept. Transportation. Joyous times building a life together were shared including the birth of their children Bruce, Kristi and Valerie. Ginny passed away as result of chronic kidney disease in 1973.

On May 3, 1975 he married Lois (Steinmetz) Chyle. Larry and Lois had grown up on neighboring farms. Both of their first deceased spouses died at the age of 40, having been each married for 20 years. The family moved to Decorah. Larry retired from D.O.T., in 1991 with 36 years of service. Larry and Lois enjoyed dancing to big band music, fishing at Campbell Lake in Northern Minnesota, cutting wood. Lois was a wonderful companion enjoying the simple tasks of life with him for 45 years before she passed away in 2020. 

Larry was proud of his Norwegian heritage - his shared knowledge of our ancestors, cemeteries, and many stories (with life lessons) are a cherished legacy. He enjoyed dogs and all wildlife; duck, deer hunting near Lost Mile Road with Bruce; Fishing – especially Walleye and Black Crappies. 

He was a member of the National Rifle Association, American Legion, taught Hunter Safety, First Aid courses. He was a kind, lifelong care giver to both wives and many other family relatives for which we are all so grateful for. 

Lastly, our forever gratitude to Dr. Kyla Lee for 22 years of trusted medical caregiving through to his last hours. 

Larry is survived by his children: Kristi Lepa, Valerie Gunhus and her son Beirgen Gunhus-Dansdill. Lois’ children: Craig (Sarah) Chyle and their children Caleb, Camrin, Chloe Chyle; Crystal (Bill) Wetherington and their children Jessica Dixon, Christopher, Aaron and Tristan Wetherington.

He is also survived by sisters in law: Gelene Gunhus, Shirley Meister, Marion (Ron) Wibben, Janet McFadden, Yvonne Steinmetz; many nieces and nephews, and Very Special Cousins (you know who you are!)

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Virginia 1973, brother Duane 2009, son Bruce 2013, wife Lois 2020 and many cherished in-laws and friends. 

Memorials may be directed to the cemetery maintenance of your choosing. Cemeteries were special places for Larry where he spent a great deal of time.