Gene Arnold Cunningham, 75 - April 24, 2014

Gene Arnold Cunningham, 75, Minonk, passed away at 6 a.m. Tuesday (April 22, 2014) at OSF Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center, Pontiac.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Ruestman Harris Funeral Home, Minonk, with the Rev. Dr. Richard Olson, the Rev. Lloyd Cunningham and the Rev. Dr. Harry Sanders officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Full military rites will be accorded at the inurnment in Minonk Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Minonk Ambulance Association, First Baptist Church chair lift or Wounded Warriors Project.

Gene was born June 19, 1938, in Streator, a son of Noble and Louise Funk Cunningham. He married Elaine Lahr on June 28, 1969, in Minonk. She survives.

In addition to his wife, Elaine, he is survived by a son, Sean (Christine) Cunningham, Minonk; grandchildren, Brayden Cunningham and Kyra Cunningham; two brothers, Duane (Ivanelle) Cunningham, Minonk, and Bill (Ruth) Cunningham, Lexington; a sister, Marjorie Kettwich, Minonk; an aunt, Zelda Garrett, Springfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Kenneth Cunningham and Delmar Cunningham; and a brother-in-law, Wayne Kettwich.

Gene was a 1956 graduate of Minonk-Dana-Rutland High School.

He was proud to serve two years in the U.S. Army, primarily in Germany from 1961 to 1963.

Gene farmed in the Minonk area for 57 years. He attended the First Baptist Church in Minonk.

Gene was a loving husband and a supportive father who impacted the lives of most everyone he met with his infectious humor, laughter and quick wit. He was a great story teller who loved a good joke, taking many almost too far — but everyone loved him more because of the smile he brought to their faces and the joy he brought to their lives. He will be greatly missed.

Condolences may be sent to his family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com