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Paul Gunsten Obituary
What distinguished Chip was not his impressive height, but his great passion for ministry, his unwavering faith in others, his endless capacity for forgiveness, and his unique and infectious sense of humor. Christ was the center and hope of his life. He recruited and developed young ministers to serve in Virginia, and served congregations without clergy across the state. He had a great love of sports and the relationships they fostered. Above all, he helped raise two wonderful daughters, endeared himself to all he met, and modeled the grace he so fervently preached.
Surviving Chip are his wife, Kristin; his daughters, Anna Gunsten and Sarah Krell and her husband, Robert; his granddaughter, Meredith; his sisters, Pam Gunsten and Claujia Ritchie and her husband, Alan, his niece, Cody Heieren; his stepmother, Martha Gunsten; his father-in-law, James Hanson, his brothers-in-law, Greg and Mark Hanson and Mark's wife, Kara.
A service for the Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 15, 2012, at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Roanoke. There will be a visitation held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, December 14, 2012, at College Lutheran Church in Salem.
Gifting in lieu of flowers may be made as donations to the Paul G. Gunsten Fund for Mission and Ministry, c/o Virginia Synod, ELCA P.O. Box 70, Salem, VA 24153 .
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Gunsten
Linda McCubbin Smith
December 20, 2012
Dear Kris, Anna, and Sarah, Pam, and Claujia and families,
I am so sorry to hear of Chip's passing. I didn't learn about it until yesterday. My family and I would have attended The Celebration of his Life had we known earlier.
I have known Chip and his family his whole life. He came from such a wonderful family, so I am not surprised to read the kind tributes to him and his FAITH. ( For Kris and the girls- my maiden name is McCubbin and our families have known one another forever it seems. Chip's dad and my dad worked together.) I know Chip is in heaven. My sisters and I and our families send our love and prayers your way. Pam and Claujia, send me an email with your addresses, please.
I always think God takes special people to be with him in heaven to celebrate His Son's birthday!
Peace in Christ,
Linda McCubbin and Alfred Smith, Mickey M. Pierce, and Patty M. Fowler and families
George and Julie Gatti
December 18, 2012
My family and i had honor of knowing Chip and Kris. Chip was a beautiful light..you saw it when he entered a room, and he had a beautiful way of making a sermon feel so personal, with humor, and always an amazing message. Know that we are holding Kris and family in our prayers now and in days to come. May Gods peace be with you, knowing what a blessing he was to so many.
December 17, 2012
Chip was a gracious colleague who always had a smile and greeting when we saw each other at staff meetings. I recall once when I was paired with him for a time of prayer. His faith, and his committment to the mission of God in Jesus was so powerful. I am a tall person, but I looked up to Chip, not just in that way, but in the way he lived life. God's Peace and Care in the loss we all feel at this time. In Christ, Pr.Ron Zoesch, DEM, Northeastern Ohio Synod, ELCA.
Jay Forkner
December 17, 2012
Meet Chip in 8th grade at Blacksburg High. We shared a book locker that year. I remember he always had that smile, even when I would shut the locker not knowing he was behind me.
I hate to think how much he suffered with the cancer.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
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Judy Elliott
December 17, 2012
So sorry that I never met Rev. Gunsten. I attend Trinity Ecumenical Parish at Smith Mountain Lake. Our pastors, Rev. Philip Bouknight and Rev. Gary Scheidt, shared lovingly about him today. I also heard wonderful things about him from two retired Lutheran pastors in our church. He was obviously very loved and respected. I'm so osrry for your loss.
Anne Saetre Josephson
December 16, 2012
Oh, so many incredible memories of magical and crazy times at Koinonia. We worked hard, played even harder, and planted our feet firmly in God's grace. Chip was the best! I send deepest sympathy to his beautiful family.
Marty Brown
December 16, 2012
What a warm and caring person he was! I am so sorry for the loss to his family and our community.
Chip Cartwright
December 15, 2012
From one Chip to another... God's peace be with him and his love ones...
Theresa Wright
December 15, 2012
Kris,Sarah and Anna - we are so sorry for the loss of you beloved husband and dad. Trust your faith as Chip would have it, to see you through this loss. We will hold you close in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you all and keep you close during this Christmas season. God needed another angel for his Christmas Choir. With love - Robert and Theresa Wright
Lisa Elliott
December 15, 2012
I had the pleasure of meeting Chip when my twin boys attended St. Phillips Preschool about 15 years ago. Happen to meet up with him again a couple years ago as he traveled through the airport where I work for TSA. Would see him off and on occasionally as he traveled and most recently just a week or so ago. He was such a kind and wonderful man. He had such a beautiful, contagious smile that was always so warm and inviting. He never met a stranger. It was such a shock to hear of his passing. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones. He will be greatly and sadly missed.
December 14, 2012
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the Gunsten family. Chip was such a help to me with Synod events I worked in partnership with him. He did what he could to make my job easier. I saw him do the simplest things at Grace Lutheran, Waynesboro and at Roanoke College.
I'll remember his telling the Gospel before he preached in his mild manner but being bold for the Gospel and the love of Jesus Christ.
VA Synod will miss him. Rest in peace Chip in God's loving arms.
Donna and Frank Gum, Grace Lutheran, Waynesboro
December 14, 2012
Chip always had a positive attitude and his infectious smile affected all who met him. I had the priviledge to knowing Chip for many years. He was an inspiration to all. He will be truly missed by all who knew him and loved him. Pat Morgan
Debbie Percifield
December 14, 2012
Kris, my heart is breaking to hear this tragic news. I will always remember you and Sarah and Chip putting your furniture in our basement in Winchester. He was such a wonderful Pastor and an inspiration to me. May God Be With You and hold you and your family in His Hands.
Heather O'Bryan
December 14, 2012
Chip was an amazing man, a hard worker for the Lord and a wonderful person to work with. My heart breaks for his family and I pray for them all.
Gary and Gloria Gibson
December 14, 2012
Your family is in our every prayer. Chip was a wonderful guy and we thought very much of him. He will be greatly missed and we feel blessed to have known him.
Jill Holter
December 14, 2012
What a shock it was to receive this announcement. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family on the loss of such a wonderful man. Chip was such a great inspiration to me through the times I was able to see him and hear him preach during my times at Camp Caroline Furnace and the 'old' VA Synod events. He will be deeply missed by all.
Brenda Shore
December 14, 2012
He was a light to all! I will miss him tremendously! My prayer are with his family and friends! May God wrap his arms around you and keep you safe!
David Eidson
December 14, 2012
Kris,
I pray that you and your family find comfort and strength in the promise of Christ. I give thanks for the opportunity to get to know you and Chip on our trip to Israel earlier this year. Peace be with you.
Marty Helsley
December 14, 2012
Thinking of you during this very difficult time. Chip was truly a disciple of Christ. I learned to know him when I was a student at Va. Tech through his wonderful father. God blessed him with a wonderful way to preach the gospel. I will always cherish him in my heart!!!! Peace and Love.
Zelma Hedrick Harris
December 14, 2012
I first met Chip at Caroline Furnace Camp as a teenager, and I followed his ministry throughout his career. He was a beloved son of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Blacksburg. The Virginia Synod has lost a dedicated and passionate pastor, and we will miss his vision and his service, and his presence. May God's blessings and comfort be with you all, now and in the days and weeks ahead.
Lynn Ellen McCutchen Thompson
December 14, 2012
Chip was such an inspiration to all. He was so helpful and kind when my father died, especially helping me accept his loss. I will never forget the Lenten service at St. Phillip when Chip told the story about camp and all of God's wonder through nature, and he sang "How Great Thou Art" throughout his story. This was one of the best services I have atteded in my entire life. Last, but not least, Chip was always there to offer a "Daddy" hug in memory of my very tall Daddy. Thank you, Chip. You will never be forgotten. Enjoy your everlasting life and keep that smile forever. Prayers for your family during this time.
Donna Spradlin
December 14, 2012
Chip touched us all with his humble goodness. My heart aches. Know you are surrounded with love.
Joe
December 14, 2012
A wonderful man of God who always left others feeling inspired to live a better life. Deepest sympathy to family, friends and the church he loved.
Melissa Boettjer Hoback
December 14, 2012
Pastor always have very inspiring sermons. He was also a wonderful man, and he will be missed by all that knew him. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim Beckmann
December 14, 2012
I'm so saddened to hear this news. May he enjoy the sight of God's face forever.
Michael Monaco
December 14, 2012
Our prayers are with the Gunsten family, and please know how much his witness to Christ has touched so many lives. A true light in the darkness...
Bobby Mauney
December 14, 2012
Kris - You and your family are in our prayers. You and Chip made such an impact to those around you including my family. Blessings and good wishes to you in this time.
Shawna Reinhardt
December 14, 2012
I am so sorry for your Loss, Chip was a great Guy and will be missed very much. I remember Chip when he was at St. Phillip as the pastor and he was so good with everyone and kind and willing to help you with any information that you might of needed. You could always tell when Chip was in the church, there was that feeling of,sincere,joy,happiness,. he just lite up the church,an you felt it was going to be a good day. I have known Chip for many years through the church and wil miss him Dearly. Chip will always be remembered,for the way he was.
Judi Hangen
December 14, 2012
Thanks for all the wonderful memories in the Old Virginia Synod. Loved all those Winter Celebrations and Lost and Founds. You touched our lives and now you can hang with David in heaven.
Robin Ferguson (YMCA)
December 14, 2012
My thoughts and prayers to Kristen and the girls...Chip was such a wonderful man and touched so many lives. There was never a time that he didn't have that smile on his face.
wende markham
December 14, 2012
Heaven truly has an angel now! My deepest sympathy to the Gunsten Family
Ruthie Cristman
December 14, 2012
Deepest sympathy to the Gunsten family. I feel blessed to have known Chip. He was always a bright light at youth events to me when I was young. He will surely be missed by all!
December 14, 2012
Kris thinking about you and sending prayers to you and your family.
Jill Bernstein
December 14, 2012
May our Heavenly Father comfort Chip's family and friends during this time of grief as we mourn the loss of Chip's life among us on earth, and remind us that Chip has entered the church triumphant. Peace+
Chuck Miller
December 14, 2012
The sting of his passing hurts but the celebration of him realizing what he has taught and preached his whole life is wonderful! Great Job Chip !
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