Melvin Cunningham

MELVIN D. "MEL" CUNNINGHAM

Cedar Rapids

Melvin D. "Mel" Cunningham, 87, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of rural Waverly and Cedar Falls, died Monday, Nov. 13, 2017, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

He was born July 4, 1930, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Maurice and Cathryn (Rohrig) Cunningham. Mel married Jean Ann Baumgartner on Sept. 16, 1956, at St. John Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls. She preceded him in death on Dec. 29, 2004. Mel was a graduate of Waterloo West High School and served in the U.S. Navy on a PT Boat during the Korean conflict. He worked at John Deere in Waterloo for over 30 years, retiring as a supervisor in 1985. Mel also owned and managed Big Woods Automotive, where he restored wrecked and classic cars.

Mel is survived by his son, Dr. Dan (Debra) Cunningham of Montgomery, Ala.; his daughter, Susan (Rich) Burk of Casper, Wyo.; four grandchildren, Kelly and Kathleen Cunningham and James and Michael Burk; his longtime companion, Mary Campbell of Swisher, Iowa; and many loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife; a sister, Jean Myers; a brother, Donald Cunningham; his mother-in-law, Elsie Baumgartner Stamp; and his brother-in-law, Gary Baumgartner.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 20, at St. John Lutheran Church, with burial at Fairview Cemetery, both in Cedar Falls. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home, Cedar Falls, and one hour before services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the church or the charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be left at www.DahlFuneralHome.com.