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Karlene Gunter Obituary
Karlene Klages Gunter, a professor of 44 years in the Department of Biophysics at the University of Rochester, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, January 17, 2020 at the age of 80 years old. She is mourned by her husband of 59 years, Thomas Edgar Gunter; three daughters, Kerstin Navik (Paul) and Kari Gunter-Kremers (Tom) of Pittsford, NY and Kelly Gunter (Sean Hammond) of Grand Forks, ND; four grandchildren, Keiryn and Kiya Gunter-Kremers, Sophus Hammond and Caius Gunter; a step-granddaughter, Savanna Shaver of Greenville, SC; and two sisters, Karen Frauman of Charlotte, NC and Kathy Konigsbauer (Steve) of Salley, SC. She joins her parents, Norman H Klages and Ann Corbit Klages.
Karlene Klages was born on August 14, 1939 in Pittsburgh, PA. She was an extraordinary woman, finishing a degree in Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology when few women did. Upon completion of her degree, she married her college sweetheart, Thomas Gunter, and followed him to Berkeley, CA to pursue her doctorate. At UC Berkeley, she was mentored by Frank Asaro and performed her thesis work in the laboratories of Nobel Laureate Glenn Seaborg.
In their professional lives, Karlene and Thomas focused on researching cellular energy production. They were part of the group of researchers that discovered how each individual cell controls its ATP production, which led to advancements in the treatment of metabolic disease and furthered the understanding of the aging process. Their research also contributed to a deeper understanding of the development of Parkinson's Disease.
While Karlene was dedicated to her work before her retirement at the age of 75, she will be remembered most for the things she loved best: her garden, her books and her family. She was the heart of us. Her persistence, sense of humor, generosity, her sense of adventure, and her unique perspective on life will forever be a part of those she left behind.
The family will receive friends on Monday, January 27 from 5-7 PM at Anthony Funeral Home, 2305 Monroe Ave. in Brighton (244-0770). A separate memorial service will be held on a date to be named later.
In lieu of flowers, Karlene would have preferred contributions to be made to:
The Nature Conservancy, Attn: Treasury
4245 N Fairfax Dr., Suite 100
Arlington, VA 22203.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karlene Gunter
Sponsored by Anthony Funeral & Cremation Chapels - Brighton/Rochester Chapel.
Lillian Peracchia
February 10, 2020
Camillo and Lillian Peracchia send their sincere condolences on the sudden death of Karlene. We've just returned to Rochester and learned of this tragedy.
Tamara Strubel
February 9, 2020
Dear Gunther Family,
What I appreciated most about Karlene was that she was genuinewithout artifice. She was accomplished in so many ways. She shared with friends her delight in her daughters and grandchildrens achievements and informed them of problems with products sold and governmental programs and initiatives. I miss her friendship!
Tammy Strubel
February 9, 2020
What I appreciated most about Karlene was that she was genuinewithout artifice. She was accomplished in so many ways. She shared with friends her delight in her daughters' and grandchildrens' achievements and informed us of harmful products and proposals. I miss her friendship.
Tammy Strubel
michael aschner
January 25, 2020
Dear Tom:
I have no words. I read your email over and over in disbelief.
Whatever I say, will not sooth your feelings and diminish your pain.
I feel lucky to have known Karlene. I have always enjoyed her wit and appreciated her direct demeanor, focus and love for others.
She had special brightness in her eyes when talking about your kids and grandkids, whom she all loved.
I will never forget our days together at Brookhaven and your visit to TN upon your return from the farm in SC. I have always enjoyed reading your holiday cards which the two of you have so carefully crafted with attention to detail, making me feel as if I was part of your trips, working in the garden, or family visits.
Karlene loved nature, and was a strong proponent for the weak, whether people, animals, or otherwise. She will be missed.
I hope you can celebrate her life and accomplishments as she was a special woman, mother and grandmother, as well as a scholar and teacher.
My wholehearted condolences, Tom, to you and the family.
If there is anything at this time that I can do to ease your pain, please let me know.
Miki
Claire Gavin
January 24, 2020
Dear Tom and family, you are in my heart, and we grieve together. Karlene was a steadying presence during my years of study in the Gunter laboratory: unfailingly kind, funny, briskly efficient but always happy to stop and help or explain. I am so very grateful to have had the opportunity to know and love you all.
John Young
January 24, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time. Please take comfort in knowing that your many friends share your loss. Peace.....John & Valerie Young
January 24, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. Please take comfort in knowing that your many friends share your loss.....peace......John & Valerie Young
January 24, 2020
Kerstin, Paul and family;
So sorry for your loss. You and family are in our thoughts, prayers and hearts at this time.
Mark and Penny Goodison
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