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Keith Gulling Obituary

Keith Gulling

Runnells

Keith E. Gulling, age 82 of Runnells, died on Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines. A private family service will take place at Canfield Cemetery. The community, family and friends are invited to an open house celebrating Keith's life on Sunday, May 19, 2013 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Runnells Community Center. Because Keith loved the fair, in lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.

The son of Harlan and Gladys (Blood) Gulling, Keith was born on August 2, 1930, in Runnells, IA. He graduated from Runnells High School in 1949. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. On October 30, 1954, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Vava L. Weaver at the Runnells Church. Keith retired from John Deere in Ankeny after 30 years and subsequently drove for O'Halloran and Stivers. He was a member of the Carlisle Christian Church, the Central Iowa Tractor Club and The American Legion. He was a proud charter rider in every WHO Tractor Ride.

Keith never met a stranger and was a good neighbor to all, with a tool to fix anything, and he was always ready with a smile. He loved restoring John Deere Tractors, taking rides with his buddies on his Gold Wing Trike, and wintering in AZ. He dearly loved his family and took special pride in his granddaughter, Bailey, the light of his life.

Those left to honor his memory include in his daughter, Janet Petersma and her husband Jay of Johnston; his granddaughter, Bailey Petersma; his mother Gladys Gulling of Altoona; a sister, Doris Warren also of Altoona and a host of other friends and family who will miss him dearly. Preceding him in death were his father, Harlan Gulling, wife, Vava Gulling, and a sister, Wanda Tingle.

Published by the Des Moines Register from May 15 to May 19, 2013.
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3 Entries

I was so saddened to hear of Keith's passing on WHO radio on the way home from a trip. Keith was one of the nicest people I've ever met. Always smiling, happy and helping someone.........ALWAYS. Our community has lost a leader and a very good man. My sympathies to the Gulling and Petersma family's.

Julie Ward

May 16, 2013

Keith was a wonderful person and a strong believer in family. Wonderful to have known you and all the Gulling's at family reunions.

David Darr

May 16, 2013

I am very sorry of your loss & my prayers are with the family

Carol Gulling

May 15, 2013

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