Munson, Gunnar Norris

We lost a great husband, father, son, brother, “papa,” and friend on Tuesday, August 24, 2010, when

Gunnar Norris Munson died peacefully from heart failure. Gunnar was surrounded by his loving family and friends at St. Luke's Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 28, 2010, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. The Rev. David Beckman will officiate. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Surviving are his wife, Jean; his children, Gavin, Grant (Emily Flowergarden) and Tracy, all of Cedar Rapids; his grandson, Gunnar “Owen” Munson; his father, Robert “Bob” Munson; his siblings, Ole (Julie) of Arizona, Signe (John Henderson) of Cedar Rapids, and Erik (Becky) of Cedar Rapids; aunts, Virginia Svestka of Indiana, Viva DeMerritt of Arizona, and Marjorie Perdue of Washington; uncle, Dick (Pat) Perdue of Florida; his first wife, Janet (Don Angotti); aunt Pat and Grandma Rose; sister-in-law, Rose (Glen) Hartz; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Esther “June” Munson.

Gunnar was born March 4, 1958, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Robert and Esther “June” (Perdue) Munson. He attended Cedar Rapids Community Schools and graduated from Cedar Rapids Washington High School. He married Janet Stoneking on Feb. 10, 1979, at Immaculate Conception Church in Cedar Rapids. They had three beloved children together. They later divorced. He married Jean Bley on July 19, 1996, at St. Pius X Church in Cedar Rapids. He was employed as the central region sales manager for WattStopper.

Gunnar was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed golf and a wonderful host who never knew a stranger. He cherished his time at his cabin in Clayton with family and friends, where the plates were always full, the conversation was always lively and love was always abundant.

In his continued spirit of giving to others, Gunnar was on organ donor.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

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