Services for Mark Gunning

Mark Gunning, 69, of Clearbrook, Minnesota passed in Jesus arms on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Calvary Free Lutheran Church in Fosston, Minnesota with the Pastor Mark Richardson officiating.  Visitation will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Cease Family Funeral Home Chapel in Bagley, MN and 1-hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will be held at the Greenwood Lutheran Cemetery in Clearbrook, MN.

Mark Andy Gunning was born on December 31, 1951 in Bagley, MN to Gilman and Beulah (Thompson) Gunning.  Mark graduated in 1969 from Clearbrook High School.  He spent one season sailing the Great Lakes. Mark is known for copping the Clearbrook Dances at the hall back in the early 70’s. In 1971, he and Sylvia Ysen were married.  They shared the joy of having two daughters, Lynette and Dana.  He also worked 1978-80; 2011-2015 with local 49ers Union.  His main employment was with Northwood Panelboard Company of Solway, MN where he worked from the 80’s until he retired from there 30 years later as dryer operator. Mark married Sarah Schmidt at Calvary Free Lutheran in Fosston, MN. on August 18, 1984. Together they had two children, Mark and Jennifer.  Farming was Mark’s passion.  Throughout all these jobs, he burnt the other end of the candle trying to keep the home farm North of Clearbrook, running productively and smoothly.  He farmed mostly beef cattle and hay crops.  He and Sarah had two big round balers and did many, many hours of custom baling to make ends meet on the farm. Mark always wanted to be sure his dealings with other people were fair, so that both parties felt good when hands were shook.  He couldn’t stand to owe anyone money. He was a man of great integrity.   In the past few years, he was so happy to be able to buy the Gunning Homestead land which has been in the Gunning name since 1896.  They were able to put up a small cabin over there.  Several grandkids enjoyed playing over there or trying to get some serious hunting done.  He and Sarah loved to spend beautiful summer evenings over there. Mark accepted Jesus Christ as a young child.  As with most people, he had times his walk with God was stronger over the years.  Last year, he and Sarah started praying together each evening for every child and grandchildren.  Mark was a loving compassionate dad and grandpa.  He loved his grandchildren beyond words and he treasured times that involved the grandchildren. He enjoyed his trips driving around the farm “just checking things out” with his dad and his son Mark.  He loved his little trips with “Bud”, and his shopping trips to Menards.  If you knew Mark at all, you knew he loved REAL BUTTER!  Although his family was not ready to let him go, we take great comfort in knowing he has passed through those beautiful gates and his unhealthy body has been restored.

 

Survivors are his wife, Sarah Gunning of Clearbrook, MN

Daughters- Lynette (Mike) How of Cohasset, MN.

Dana (Allan) Gunning of Morongo Valley, CA.

Jennifer Jobe of Brainerd, MN.

Son-Mark (Amanda) Gunning of Clearbrook, MN.

Grandchildren-Levi How, Caleb (Katrina) How, Noah (Taylor) How, Sam How, Matthew and Bella Hampson, Grace and Faith Gunning, and Walter and Patsy Jobe.

Sister-Cindi (Harlan) Roberts of Waxahachie, TX.

Sister-in-law- Barb Gunning of Minneapolis, MN.

Mother-in-law-Arlene Schmidt of Fosston, MN.

Sarah’s Family-David (Vicki) Schmidt of Jordan.

Steve Schmidt of Fosston.

Mark (Mary) Schmidt of Crookston, MN.

Nancy (Kenny) Hartel of Wilton.

Mary (Dan) Lee of Roseau,.

Many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law-Pete Schmidt; sister-in-law- Mary Lou Schmidt; brother-Stanley; and son-in-law-Peter Jobe

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the Greenwood Cemetery of Clearbrook.

Messages of condolence may be sent to ceasefuneralhome.com