Alexander "Alex" Gunn

Alex Gunn

Funeral services were held Monday for Alex Gunn, 78, who died Oct. 16 at his ranch home 30 miles from Lusk.

Final rites were conducted at the Peet Mortuary Chapel by Rev. Delbert Dick of Wheatland. Organist was Mrs. Edna DeCastro, with Mark Lohr singing "In the Garden," and "Abide With Me." Interment was in the Lusk Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Niobrara Nursing Home.

Pallbearers were Dean Leimser, Joe Leimser, Donald Johnson, Rod Geisinger, Gene Francis and Harry Baker.

Honorary pallbearers were Luther Penfield Sr., Louis Krecji, James Krecji, Dale Leimser, Bob Scott, Walter Farrell, T. J. Shipley, Ed Hesco, Alan Sheridan, John Goddard and Otto Vondra.

The youngest child of Hugh and Emma Schneider Gunn, Alex was born March 1, 1902, on the family farm near Scotland, S. D.

After graduating from Scotland High School, he worked in that area for a number of years and attended South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City for one year as a civil engineering student.

In 1926 he came to Niobrara County, where he lived with his brother George and family for a time, on their homestead north of Lusk. While there he met Helen Ring, whom he married in 1928.

After the marriage they lived one year in Scotland, S. D. They moved then to the Ring ranch 20 miles north of Harrison, where they lived until May of 1931. At that time they moved to the family home 30 miles north of Lusk where Alex resided until his death.

Helen had preceded him in death in August of 1975.

Since her death Alex had spent the winter months with his daughter, Kathleen Turpin. And her family in Tucson, Ariz.; and had traveled extensively.

He was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in Scotland, S.D. during his youth, and in recent years had attended the Hat Creek Sunday School.

His brothers, George and Frank, and sisters, Marguerite and Marie preceded him in death.

He is survived by one daughter, Kathleen Turpin of Tucson, Ariz.; one son Dale of Lusk; seven grandchildren Rhonda Hart of Powell, Wyo.; Shelly Krein and Tammy Bonsell of Lusk, Carmen and Linda living at home, and Shannon and Craig Turpin of Tucson, Ariz.; four great-grandchildren, Dusty and Dara Hart, Roger Dale Bonsell and Travis Dale Krein; plus numerous nieces and nephews.

"Alex will," according to his family and many friends, "be remembered for his loving, cheerful manner, his wit, and the many acts of kindness and generosity he performed."

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