Joseph R. Cunningham

Joseph Robert Cunningham, 83, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, has passed away surrounded by family on January 6th, 2026. Born on January 24, 1942, to Merwyn "Jodie" and Viola Cunningham in Burt, Iowa, Joe lived a long life filled with service, love, humor, and an absolutely unnecessary amount of fishing gear.
Throughout his life, Joe served his community in multiple capacities, including as a serviceman in the U.S. Army, a police officer/fireman, and a city employee. However, those who knew him best would say his true passion, second only to his love of his family, was always fishing. Fishing wasn't just Joe's hobby. It was his personality. He loved his fishing trips to Canada with his brother, Doc - the one place on earth where he could exaggerate his catch size without anyone being able to fact-check him. Together, they perfected the art of telling a 20-minute story about a fish that may or may not have existed. According to Joe, he almost caught the "big one" approximately 400 times in his life. Strangely, there are no photographs. He had great love for his family and took great joy in passing down his love of the outdoors by teaching his grandchildren how to fish, camp, and just enjoy being outdoors. His gift for bringing smiles to others' faces was legendary among friends and family alike. He was always quick with a smile, joke or, sarcastic comment delivered with a straight face.
In 1965, Joe married Marlene Henderson, and together, they welcomed two children: Joe Jr. Cunningham and Kim (Cunningham) Bittner. After their marriage ended in 1972, Joe found lasting love with Cherie (Collins) Cunningham, whom he married in 1974. Their union added a son, Jed Cunningham. Joe and Cherie shared over 50 beautiful years together.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Cherie; his brother Doc Cunningham; his children: Joe Jr. (Tootka) Cunningham of Baxter, Iowa, Kim (Trevor) Bittner of Bondurant, Iowa, and Jed (Tena) Cunningham of Lu Verne, Iowa; his grandchildren: Shawn (Sarah) Cunningham and Jordan (Mackenzie Raridon) Cunningham and Chelsey (Daniel) Webster, Cody (Taylor) Bittner, Jacob, and Mariah Bittner, Averie and Aiden Cunningham; his great-grandchildren: Jaiden Cunningham, Noah Dille, and Harper Cunningham; his sister-in-law Arty Janus and brother and sister-in-law Doug and Jenny O'Berg. His former daughter-in-law, Karen Cunningham and former sister- in-law, Kay Cunningham. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and their families who have greatly impacted his life and the memories they made, as well as many dear friends and fishing buddies who will miss his companionship and humor. He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Rip and Connie Collins; his brother-in-law Kevin Janus; his sister Lana Trunkhill and her husband Dick; nephew Tony Trunkhill; great-nephew Carter Trunkhill; niece in law Gabe Trunkhill, granddaughter Morgan Anne Cunningham; and great-granddaughter Serenity Marie Dille.
In keeping with Joe's wishes, there will be no funeral service. Joe wanted to be remembered with humor, happy memories, and love. His final message to all of his loved ones: Condolence cards can be sent to Cherie Cunningham at P.O. Box 125, Lu Verne, IA 50560.
"Until we meet again and when it's me you're missing, don't worry, be glad, I've only gone fishing."