Harry E. Cunningham

Harry E. Cunningham, 82, of Petersburg, NE passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Boone County Health Center in Albion, NE.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Petersburg, NE with Rev. John Norman and Deacon John Starman officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military rites conducted by American Legion Post #334 of Petersburg, NE, Navy Funeral Honor Guard, and the American Legion Riders. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the church with a 7:00 p.m. wake service.

Memorials may be directed to American Legion Post #334 of Petersburg, NE or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion is in charge of the arrangements.

Harold "Harry" Eugene Cunningham was born on June 17, 1943, at the family farm near Gorin, MO, to Fleet and Verlee (Boyer) Cunningham. Harry attended Gorin Public School before his family moved to Friend, NE, where he graduated from high school in 1961. Following graduation, he proudly served in the United States Navy, spending two years aboard the USS Decatur. After returning home, Harry worked in a variety of roles, including positions at an automobile dealership, a farm store, and Sears.

On January 8, 1966, Harry married the love of his life, Bernadette "Bernie" Gallagher, in York, NE. They were joyfully anticipating the celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary in the coming weeks. The couple made their home in McCook, NE, where Harry served as Assistant Manager of a farm store. He later attended Kearney State Teachers College, earning a Master of Arts degree. Harry devoted more than 40 years to education as a K–12 guidance counselor and teacher at Petersburg and High Plains Schools, where he touched countless lives through his dedication and care for students.

Harry and Bernie shared a passion for antiques and opened their own antique store in Petersburg. Together, they also owned and operated Cunningham's Café for 12 years. A talented carpenter, Harry was known for his ability to fix just about anything. He took great pride in the town of Petersburg and played an instrumental role in the community earning numerous awards through the Community Improvement and Keep Nebraska Beautiful programs.

Among Harry's greatest joys were his eight treasured trips to Ireland, a place that held special meaning for him. Harry was known for his easy manner, genuine warmth, and quiet optimism-qualities that made him a joy to be around and left those who knew him with a lasting sense of comfort and gratitude. Harry will be deeply missed by many.

He is survived by his loving wife: Bernadette Cunningham of Petersburg, NE; his brother: George (Judy) Cunningham of Ixonia, WI; nieces: Teresa (Scott) Robinson of Colorado Springs, CO; Tina (Dean) Mentch of Waukesha, WI; nephew: Keith (Joie) Cunningham of Wrightstown, WI; as well as many great-nieces and nephews; cousins; and dear friends.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents: Fleet and Verlee Cunningham; and his sister: Hazel (Vansil) Bradley.