Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1945
DIED
2019
John Gunther Obituary
Verdi - John Andrew Gunther unexpectedly passed into eternal life on December 21, 2019. John was born July 1, 1945, the oldest of 17 children born to Marianne and Andy Gunther. The family moved from Evanston, Illinois to California when he was 5 years old. Growing up in Southern California he attended Serra High School and Loyola University of Los Angeles where he graduated in 1967.
John moved to Reno in 1974, and in 1978 he married Barbara, his wife of 41 years. He has worked as a probation officer, a schoolteacher, sales and sales management. The past 20 years "Mr G" has been a well loved substitute teacher in Washoe County Schools.
He and Barbara shared many common interests - the love of the mountains, hiking, camping and exploring the outdoors. He loved to fish, abalone rock-pick, write and read novels, explore Yosemite and play golf. In 1982, he and Barbara traveled to and explored Alaska and in 1996 he ran and finished the Western States 100 mile run.
John is proceeded in Death by his parents, and two siblings. He leaves behind his wife, Barbara, his 3 "bonus" children, Steve Larrieu, Jim Larrieu (Michele), and Jacqui Warren (Dan), 5 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, 14 siblings and many nieces and nephews.
John, when you left us we felt a great loss but when you arrived in heaven there was great rejoicing for they knew that a beautiful spirit had come home. We love you and we miss you.
A Catholic Mass and a Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am, January 11, at Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Community, 1101 N. Virginia St. Reno 89503. Attendees are welcome to wear colorful Hawaiian shirts in John's honor.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the St. Labre Indian School, P.O. Box 216, Ashland, MT 59003-9989 or online at www.stlabre.org.
John's family would like to thank you for your love and support during this difficult time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Gunther
Bill Weldon
December 28, 2022
John's photo is on my desk and his smiling face greets me every morning. I thank God for putting him in my life. We talk about John often and what a blessing he was to my family and friends.
Carole & Doug
January 13, 2020
Dear Barbara and family: I am shocked and have a sad heart to hear about the passing of John. We will miss his smiling face and good conversations at St Mary's Gym. We were good friends with Aunt Phyllis, and John was always one of her favorites! He will be missed.
Sending you our love,
Carole and Doug
Jenn Dahlen
January 11, 2020
My heart goes out to you Barbara, his bonus kids, grandkids, siblings, nieces, and nephews He truly endured every day and loved his entire family unconditionally.
I learned so much from Mr. G working side by side with him for the last four years! This man of God was blessed to come on this Earth and touch everyone's life in such a positive way. He was a ray of light for me and my family, and to all the teachers he taught with. I felt so fortunate to have seen him this last month teaching kids, him embracing me with a huge hug, smile, and sharing our latest fishing stories over lunch, as well as sharing his latest hunting pictures from his grandson Remi, and being so excited to be a 74 year old man doing what he loved, making the world a better place!
Man, I am so sad to lose this incredible man, but I am so grateful for the time I did have with him. May John be fishing somewhere beautiful looking down on us from heaven as I know he is definitely seated at the right hand of the father, sending down love and support to all!
Maggoe
January 10, 2020
This was such a shock and I am sad for Barbara, sad for us. John was truly the real deal, authentic and loving. A happy spirit on lean from Heaven.
He leaves a big hole.
With love, my sincerest condolences to his beloved family.
Ed Warman
January 10, 2020
John was the best substitute teacher! I knew I could leave my Kindergarteners with a caring, professional gentleman who loved the students and always put their feelings first. He was a wonderful person and friend. God speed, Mr. G!
Jim Burdick
January 9, 2020
As a member of Our Lady Of Wisdom I did not know John well. However Sunday after Sunday I observed his kind and loving interactions with all parishioners especially the children he helped teach the Sunday Bible Lessons.
His deep faith often lighted his face with a big smile and sharing spirited and caring words. To launch into Eternal Life so suddenly was totally unexpected. John now fully embraces and is embraced by what he believed and lived.
Till we all meet again. Mahalo! Adios! Jim Burdick
Bill Weldon
January 6, 2020
John Gunther was a man of God who personified Jesus' command to love others as we love ourselves like no one else I know.
If you knew John you knew he loved you because he showed it with a smile, a word of encouragement, his laughter, a big hug and a genuine interest in your life.
He was not bashful about telling you he loved you. An endearing quality you never forgot.
Our sorrow at his loss is equal to how deeply he touched our hearts and daily lives.
When John joined our company he immediately became its heart and soul. He started a bible reading and prayer session that continued every morning before he left to teach "his beloved" children.
There are people in over 6 states who never met John other than these calls, who experienced his love and personal concern for them.
It is our turn now to repay the love and joy John brought to our lives by asking God to comfort Barbara and fill her heart with His peace, love and joy.
We thank you Lord for blessing us with John and for the time You gave us with him. We are all far better people for having known John Gunther.
January 6, 2020
I will miss seeing you at the post office or driving down my street
Addie
January 6, 2020
I will miss seeing you at the post office or driving down my street -
Addie
1975 Rich Jenkins, Jimmy, Steve, Warren Payne //Barb, Cheri Memeo, Jackie, Janice Payne
Warren Payne
January 5, 2020
John was a great man and friend to all, esp. the younger generation. He had a very special gift of being able to tell funny stories and make any conversation delightful. I met John when he and Barbara first dated in Santa Rosa, 1975. Jim and Steve were very close friends of my sister, Janice and I while at MHS. John and Barb organized a trip to Yosemite in the summer of 1975 and invited us. That trip was epic and I'll forever cherish the memories and moments with John and Barb. and our friends. John took this photo of us on that trip. I never saw John get angry or upset. He always saw the good side of life and did his best to influence and guide others this way.
RIP my guide and good friend,
Warren
January 5, 2020
John....we will miss you as a friend and good neighbor. You always had a smile. You left us all too soon, but we know they will be smiling in heaven now. Chet and Shari Damron
January 4, 2020
John always had a smile. I loved listening to all his stories. John it was an honor to have known you. You are missed my friend.
Nicolle Moffatt
January 4, 2020
John was a blessing to have in my classroom at Mathews. He would always great you with a smile and an important historical fact that would make you smile. His generous spirit and warm smile will be missed. My prayers go out to his family wishing you peace during this challenging time.
Dora Sanchez
January 4, 2020
I am beyond sad. I couldn't believe it when I found out about his passing. I saw him the last day before winter break and I even told him "see you next year". When he was at Alice Maxwell he always came by and gave me a big hug. He also would go and see my daughter at her class
She loved him. My sincere condolences to his wife and family. He was one the best people I know. May you rest in peace Mr G. We will always miss you and remember the great person you were.
Betsy Hambleton
January 3, 2020
I used to say "hi" to John almost every morning when I walked my dogs past his house in Verdi. Always a kind, sweet man -- really friendly to everyone. I'm so sorry you're no longer with us, John. My deep condolences to Barbara. God bless you.
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in John Gunther's name
Memorial Events
for John Gunther
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Gunther's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
