Jeffrey Dale Cunningham

Jeffrey Dale Cunningham (Papa), 73, of Barnesville, MN passed away on October 28, 2025 with his family at his side. Jeff was born on May 9, 1952 in Mt. Carmel, Ill to Patrick and Leola Cunningham. He moved to Indiana where he started school at the Miller School House, a one room school with a big coal stove in the middle for heat. They later moved to Petersburgh until freshman year then to Fargo, ND where he graduated South High. From there Jeff received his private pilot's license which he enjoyed talking about all the time and was very proud of. On December 28, 1980 Jeff married the absolute love of his life, Paulene Sharon Hempel. They had 2 children, Jeremiah and Sarah and they were the best tight-knit family. His final career was the Franchise Owner for H&R Block in Detroit Lakes, MN with his wife. There they gained their 2nd family, Rosie, Stephanie, and Rod. They worked together for years and had an extraordinary relationship.

Jeff will be remembered for his sense of humor, his laugh, his kindness, love, and family values and bonds. His #1 priority was his family. He was a protector, a mentor, a role model, a person of influence, and an idol. His superstar moment was when he and his wife played Santa and Mrs. Claus for Christmas. They would read a Christmas book to the littles (and bigs) and hand out presents.

Jeff's passions were his grandsons, Gavin Dale and Isaac Jeremiah who he adored immensely. Spoiling them, taking them places, and just spending quality time with them was so important to him.

Jeff's hobbies and interests included photography of nature, reading about air planes, watching the Andy Griffith show, mowing around milk weeds to save the caterpillars and watch the butterfly life cycle, and looking for eagle nests.

We are broken, but we will be okay. We cry a lot, but it will slow someday. There is a puzzle piece now missing, but it is not far away. We will continue to search, and we will find it again one day! We love you Daddy! - Your Daughter

Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Paulene Sharon Cunningham, son, Jeremiah (Savanna) Cunningham, daughter, Sarah (Charles) Iverson, grandsons, Gavin Dale and Isaac Jeremiah, brother, Steve (Vivian) Cunningham, sister Pam (Don) Symanietz, and many more.

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Leola Cunningham and his Uncle Carl whom he spoke highly of.

There will be a memorial at Paula's on Saturday November 8, 2025 from 2p-4p. For the address, please email iverham@hotmail.com. There will be a big "shin-dig" that dad wanted in the summer as well.