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Eleanor Gunneman

May 24, 1927 - September 7, 2020
Grand Rapids, MI

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Visitation

Thursday, September 10, 2020
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EDT
St Mary's Catholic Church
423 First St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 459-7390
Web Site

Service

Thursday, September 10, 2020
11:00 AM EDT
St. Mary's Catholic Church
423 First St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 459-7390
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Memories captured by friends and family of Eleanor Gunneman undoubtedly recognize the caring and thoughtful nature of Eleanor’s life. She was a source of remarkable joy for every person she loved, from members of her church to those invited to pontoon rides at Bills Lake. With a peaceful admiration of the past and an appreciation for the joys of the present, Eleanor flawlessly captured what it meant to live in the moment. Her loving nature transcends her passing and she is remembered with great tenderness and adoration.

Excitement ran through the veins of every American citizen living in the “Roaring 20’s.” Not including the ever-evolving world of music and entertainment, society was persistently developing through significant technological advances; from the first electric razor to the first color television. Fashion was fueled by the flappers of the 20’s and that meant that knee-length skirts and dresses became socially acceptable. People even looked with amazement to the skies as Charles Lindbergh makes the first solo non-stop flight from New York to Paris aboard the Spirit of St. Louis. The excitement never ended for Albert Lazoski and Marie (Maciejewski) Lazoski as they prepared for a baby near the end of the decade. On Tuesday May 24, 1927 in Grand Rapids, Michigan Eleanor Lazoski was born.

Eleanor Gunneman spent her idyllic childhood days surrounded by a family rooted in support and love. From her father, a laborer, she learned to be driven and work hard while from her mother, a homemaker, she learned the value that lies within a commitment to family. With her brother and sister, Chester and Dorothy Lazoski, Eleanor had sentimental memories of holiday meals. The entire family was fond towards their Michigan sports teams, the Tigers and the Lions, and were active members at the Sacred Heart Church.

As a young lady Eleanor took a job in the finishing department of Lears. Here, she met the love of her life; Bud Gunnman. He was two years older than her and it was not long before they went on their first date together. By the end of their first date which involved seeing a show and then going out for hamburgers, they were smitten with each other. Bud converted to Catholicism before they were married on July 1, 1950. They celebrated with a large wedding at Sacred Heart and then honeymooned in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and around Lake Michigan.

Bud and Eleanor moved into a home on 365 Gunnison, where the familial ties remained stronger than ever as they were just around the corner from Eleanor’s parents. The couple purchased a cottage on Bills Lake and for 52 years it was their weekend escape with friends and neighbors. Every weekend from March to September, Bud and Eleanor could be found out on their pontoon boat on the lake. Never letting chilly weather stifle their fun, during the colder months they would spend time together at the cottage and Bud would ride his snowmobile.

The couple did some traveling- always with others. Many trips were taken with her brother, five times to Hawaii, Florida, and several trips to a casino. Bud and Eleanor also enjoyed a trip to California and to Yellowstone National Park. The trip to Yellowstone was her favorite. After 35 years at Lear, Eleanor retired. She and Bud never had children, but treated their nieces and nephews as if they were their own. Eleanor and Bud held stedfast in a beautiful marriage until Bud passed away on April 15, 2017.

While Eleanor had been born into a world of flashy innovation, she found the most satisfaction in the simply joys of life. Her music taste consisted of timeless artists such as Frank Sinatra and Doris Day. Eleanor’s palate appreciates fresh meals such as corn on the cob, home-grown tomatoes for BLT sandwiches, and Polish dinners. While Eleanor found joy in every aspect of the world around her, her true character can be found in the relationships that she held most dear. She loved the time with family and neighbors out at the lake and endlessly adored her nieces and nephews. You can, of course, look to her relationship with Bud to witness admiration and affection in its truest form.

Eleanor Mary Gunneman, Eleanor Mary Gunneman age 93 passed away on September 7, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud; sister, Dorothy (Robert) Towner; sister-in-law, Dorothy Lazoski; nephew, Troy Towner; and niece, Linda Banker. Eleanor is survived by her brother, Chester (Lois) Lazoski; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Bill and Cheryl Bettys. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Thursday, September 10, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 423 First St NW with visitation one hour prior to Mass. Masks and social distancing required. Entombment in Holy Cross Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Emmanuel Hospice. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to read Eleanor’s life story, submit a favorite memory, photo, or to sign the guestbook.

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