Gerald James "Gerry" KUNDERT

Gerry passed away in his sleep in Sacramento on February 18, 2017 at the age of 86. Devoted husband of Lavon. Loving father of Corrie, Nancy, Ken and Keith. Loving grandfather of Kourtney, Kari, Jason, Chris, Kale and Kara. Loving great-grandfather of Aurora, Hannah, Bryce, Jaxson, Nathan and Morgan. Born in Wishek, ND, Family moved to Lodi, then to Sacramento. Looking back at his life he said, "I was cut from every sports team I went out for except football." He was very good at football. Winning Sacramento all-city honors playing at Grant HS, he went to St Mary's College for two years on a scholarship before enlisting in the Air Force. While stationed in Houston then later on at Mather AFB in Rancho Cordova, he played on and coached the base football team. His path was now determined. He was honorably discharged from the military, and received a football scholarship to Utah State University where he was selected to play In the college "Salad" all-star bowl. Returning to Sacramento he began teaching PE and coaching multiple sports: football, basketball, track and swimming. He transferred from Grant school district schools to Colusa HS, Encina HS then ending at Mira Loma HS. He was most content when he was able to coach his three sons during some of Mira Loma's most successful football seasons. He won many conference football championships. He was the Sacramento Bee Coach of the Year, and he was inducted into the Sacramento Athletic Hall of Fame. His proudest moments were bringing the highly successful Wing-T football offense to Sacramento and watching the young coaches he mentored grow into highly successful football coaches in their own right: Blankenship, Humphers, Stark, Domino, and Jessen. Gerry was the consummate teacher. Any subject, any time. He was always willing to offer his knowledge, experience and encouragement. Above all, he was devoted to his lovely wife, Lavon. Gerry was laid to rest in the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery with full military honors. A Celebration of Gerry's Life will be held in the Mira Loma High School cafeteria on Saturday, April 29th at 2pm. This event is open to all. Remembrances can be made to the Mira Loma Athletics Fund, Mira Loma High School, 4000 Edison Ave, Sacramento CA 95821.