"We wanted the family to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Blessings. Chuck and Kari Paulson"
In loving memory of
Donald VanGundy
March 8, 1926 - August 31, 2018
Donald Wayne Van Gundy, 92 of Kissimmee, Florida passed away peacefully on Friday, August 31, 2018. He was born in Money Creek Township, Minnesota the son of Carl and Luellen Van Gundy and moved to Kissimmee, Florida in 2014 from Houston, Minnesota. Donald was a retired farmer, feed salesman and postal carrier. He was a member of the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston, Minnesota, he served on the church council, was a member of the Houston district school board and a member of the Good Samaritan Golf Association. Donald was a Veteran of the United States Army serving as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Unit with honor and distinction.
Donald was happily married and raised a family with his loving wife La Von for 63 years before she passed in 2011, he was also preceded in death by his brother Harold Van Gundy. Donald is survived by his companion, Lillian Bledsoe of Kissimmee; sons: Scott Van Gundy, Lee Van Gundy; daughters: Jan Van Pavelka (Ken Pavelka), Connie Lazor (Joe); brothers: Wesley Van Gundy (Dorothy), Francis Van Gundy (Shirley), Junior Carl Van Gundy (Donna), Robert Van Gundy (Laurel), Al Van Gundy (deceased wife Loretta), Larry Van Gundy (Patty); sisters: Lois Quillin (Deceased husband Donald), Judy Mrachek (Steve); sister-in-law: Dolores Van Gundy (Deceased husband Harold, his oldest brother); 3 grandsons and 4 great-grandchildren and another due in December; brother-in-law: Jerry Summers (Marilyn) of Boise, Idaho; Many nieces and nephews and their families and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, September 11 at Cross of Christ Church in Houston with visitation starting at noon. Burial will be held at Money Creek Cemetery. Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service, Houston is assisting the family.
Tributes
"Connie, Scott, Jan, and Lee, You are all in my thoughts and prayers, as is Don. He was such a special and caring person, and one of the most significant male figures in my life! Don was a true gentleman, and a fantastic role model. He made a positive impact on my life, and I am so thankful to have had so many memories and experiences with him (and La Von) and all of you. Don is sincerely one of the best people I have ever known. He was one of the most influential people in my life, and I can honestly say my entire family feels that way! He truly lived a fantastic life, and that impact now lives though us all. Sincerely, Bill Ihrke "
"Dear Connie, Scott, and family. I am so sorry to hear of Don's death and will never forget how nice he and La Von were to Mary and me during my first teaching/coaching job in Houston in 1963. What a great family and so nice to everyone!! God has blessed you in o many ways ---- including knowing where Dad and Mom are today! Dick Papenfuss, Ph.D., Santa Fe, NM"
"So sorry for your loss Scott, Connie, Jan, Lee and families. I shared a table with Don & Lillian (Mary, Judy, etc) a couple of years ago at Taco Tuesday at the Houston Legion! We had a fund night."
"So sorry for your dads passing, Connie and family. Cherish your memories."
"Thinking of you, during this difficult time. Remembering Don, as Mom's neighbor, and delivering our mail. Always had a smile!"
"Very sorry for your loss. My condolences to the family. "
"So sorry for the loss of this wonderful guy! He was our neighbor. Always so nice to talk to."
"Thoughts and prayers go out to you on this loss. "