Obituary for Edward Gunnar
Edward J. Gunnar, 64, of Peoria, passed away Monday, July 25, 2016 at his home. Born September 2, 1951 to Richard and Irene (St. Amand) Gunnar, he married Jinny (Koehl-Nessler) Gunnar on June 13, 1997. Surviving are his wife, one stepson, F Scott Nessler (Grace) of East Peoria, one stepdaughter, Tammy Martin of Hickory, North Carolina, four grandchildren, Aislinn, Jayme, Kristen and Chris, and three sisters, Louise and Mary Gunnar of Peoria, and Patty (Doug) Swartz of Pontiac. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Richard and John Gunnar, and one nephew, Richard Gunnar, Jr. Ed was very proud of his family heritage and enjoyed following the lives of his nieces, nephews and cousins who held a great place in his heart. Ed started working at the age of eleven and went on to graduate from Woodruff High School and attend ICC and Bradley University. He worked as an engineer at Caterpillar and retired after 37 years and 1 day. (He was particularly proud of that 1 day.) He spent his entire CAT career at the Mossville facility in various capacities, but two of his top joys were working on the development of the little Challenger and travelling as a Field Follow Engineer. However, the relationships he forged during his years of employment were what he treasured the most. Over the past 20 years Ed visited every state except Alaska. Traveling was his passion and he was never happier than when he was on the backroads of the USA. His sense of humor, many times obtuse, is legendary, and his hearty laugh will continue to echo throughout our home. Many will agree that learning his friendship was a process, but once his friend, his love, loyalty, generosity and kindness ran deeper than most. He was a lesson and an example to all who knew him. Ed attended and supported the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria and was a student of A Course in Miracles whose principles guided his life. One of his favorite principles was, “Outside of this limiting physical experience I remain Spirit, created in the image and likeness of Love. And as such, I am sinless, wholly loved and loving…….just as you are.” A gathering for family and friends to celebrate Ed’s life will be held at Universalist Unitarian Church, 3000 W. Richwoods Blvd in Peoria on Saturday, August 20 at 11:00 am. A lunch will be served. In lieu of flowers, all memorials can be made to Common Place of Peoria to support their ongoing GED preparation classes. Cremation has been accorded.
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