Hanford Lavere Gunnerson

1922 - 2021

Hanford Lavere Gunnerson, age 98, slipped away quietly into the presence of Jesus and the loving arms of his wife, Norma, on July 18, 2021. He is survived by his children, Jennifer (Gil) Robbins, Stephen Gunnerson (Susan Lewis), Douglas (Denise) Gunnerson, and his grandchildren, Betsy Robbins (Adam Hoffman), David Gunnerson, Susan (Robert) Penswick, Adam Gunnerson (Heather Roth), Suzanne Gunnerson (David Doherty), Jennifer (Brian) Murphy, Stephanie Gunnerson, and his 11 great-grandchildren. Hanford was born in Alta, Wyoming, on September 22, 1922. He was stationed in Columbus, Ohio, in 1945, where he met and married his wife, Norma. They moved to Akron in 1948, when Hanford accepted a job as a chemical engineer for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He worked at Goodyear for 37 years and retired in 1985. Hanford and Norma celebrated their 74th Anniversary shortly before Norma passed away in 2019. For Hanford and Norma, the Church and the church people were their life. They joined the Arlington Church of the Nazarene in 1948, where they were faithful and hard-working members for over 70 years. Hanford was the Sunday School Superintendent and Secretary of the Church Board for over 50 years. After Hanford retired, he worked tirelessly for the Church every day. He was one of those men who touched so many lives - described as a great man of God, a mighty prayer warrior, and an example of what a Christian should be. The extent of his influence will only be known in heaven. We are all fortunate to have known him and had him in our lives for such a long time. There will be a viewing from 112 to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 24th, and the funeral service will be at 1 p.m. at the Arlington Church of the Nazarene, 1057 Triplett Blvd., Akron 44306. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arlington Church of the Nazarene. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rosehillbp.com.