Bernard (Bernie) Alvin Gunnink

Bernard Alvin Gunnink was born to Gerrit J. and Henrietta (Menning) Gunnink on April 22, 1939. He attended Free Christian School in Edgerton through 8th grade. On June 24, 1966, he was united in marriage to Karen Kae Spoelstra in Lake Wilson. They have three children: Brian Lee, Randy Troy, and Lisa Renea. They were members of the American Reformed Church in Luverne.

Bernie worked at several jobs during his life time: As a young man, he worked for many farmers in the area. He also worked for Campbells Soup, Hanson Silo, Pipestone Laundry, and even for a plumber. 

His longest employment was with Iowa Beef Products (IBP), where he worked for 23 years, until they closed the plant. He then worked for Swift for 10 years before retiring due to heart issues.

Bernie spent his retirement years enjoying fishing and gardening. He liked to watch the Minnesota Twins - whether they won or not! He enjoyed spending time with family and looked forward to going up fishing at Lake Mille Lac every summer. He also joined his friends for coffee at McDonalds in Luverne, the Green Lantern, Tally Ho, and 8th Ave. Diner as often as possible.

Bernard is survived by his wife of 60 years, Karen, his three children: Brian (Bonnie) Gunnink of Sioux Falls, S.D., Randy (Ruth) Gunnink of Brandon, S.D, and Lisa Gunnink of Slayton; seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, his sister Betty Jean (Harvey) Ross of Tucson, AZ,  brother John (Kim) Gunnink of Edgerton, brother Duane (Shirley) Gunnink of Grand Rapids, MI, sister Julie Ann Hanson of Denver, CO, and brother Darwin (Peggy) Gunnink of Aztec, NM; sisters-in-law Jan Gunnink of Apple Valley, Irene Gunnink of Edgerton, and Arlene Hunsberger of Grand Rapids, MI; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Art Gunnink, Jerold Gunnink, Henry Gunnink, and Glenn “Corky” Gunnink, brothers-in-law Larry Hanson, Leon Spoelstra, Harvey Samuelson and Kenny Bisping, and sisters-in-law Virginia Samuelson and Lorraine Spoelstra.

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