Larry Paul Gunville

MARQUETTE, MI - We are heartbroken to announce the passing of one of the most amazing members of our family, Larry Paul Gunville. Our father went peacefully during the morning of Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at age 88.
Larry leaves behind his loving children, daughter Sherri Gunville Morgan, son Jon Michael Gunville, and son Richard Barrett; and his grandchildren Nicole Mahoney (Ryan), Joshua Gunville, Ashley Renteria (Gavin), Coral Quinn, Kayan Quinn, along with numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored so deeply. He was proceeded in death by his parents, siblings Mary Joan Horenstein (Simon); Keith Gunville; Lois Senger (Frank); and Monica Neldberg (Robert), along with his son Jeffrey Paul Gunville and daughter Lisa Barrett.
Larry was born on June 5, 1936, to John Paul and Laura Drake Gunville, in Kingsford, Michigan. He was the youngest of five children, and had the lovable nicknames of 'Little But' and 'Butch'. He loved the U.P. of Michigan and would visit his family often for reunions throughout his life, and then he came back to settle once again in 2014 to Marquette, Michigan to be closer to his son Jon and sister Monica.
He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1954, and while he was there, he excelled in both basketball and football, where he played for Coach Rae Drake. Tennis also was a favorite sport for Larry, and he loved to be competitive and often would play his opponents 'barefoot' and win.
In 1955, Larry enlisted in the U.S. NAVY, training at Great Lakes Training Center at N. Chicago, Ilinois. He served 4 years at naval bases at Subic Bay, The Philippines and aboard the USS Missouri in Bremerton, Washington. At times, he was honored to serve as a pallbearer for those who lost their lives, and also was a cook. Those cooking skills served him well, as he loved to throw a good party and could make anything taste delicious.
He started to work at Texaco in 1961, and had a longstanding career spanning nearly 34 years, serving in a variety of roles to include Plant Terminal Manager. His career took him to many cities throughout the country to include Cleveland, Milwaukee, Hoffman Estates, and Houston where he retired.
There are no words to describe our profound loss. Our Dad was so loved and how special that he has been described by so many as follows: a gentleman, always smiling and loved to make everyone around him feel special as it was never about him, unpretentious, a great storyteller, generous and caring especially to those who were less fortunate, had an enormous love for his family, entertainer, loved all of his grand-dogs, and always felt family came first. He was such a bright light to everyone around him, loved his children deeply and will be greatly missed. "To the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the WORLD" we love you Dad!
Thank you to UP Health System, Sunny Days, and special friends Kay and Tim among many others who loved him at Snowberry Heights for their genuine love and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to UPAWS (Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter), 815 S. M-553, Gwinn, MI 49841 at upaws.org or to North Fulton Community Charities, 11275 Elkins Rd., Roswell, Georgia 30076 at nfcchelp.org
Services will be announced at a later date and will be announced.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences and memories may be expressed and viewed, at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.