To view the livestream Memorial Service, please go to https://calvarygf.org

David C. Gunther , 86, of Grand Forks, ND and formerly from LeMars, IA passed away Saturday, March 16, 2024, at his home in Mesa, AZ.  By his side was his wife and love of his life, Jane Gunther.  Dave showed grit and determination through all of his medical challenges the past three years; so much so that Jane lovingly called him her "warrior".  He lived his faith quietly and courageously to the very end when he asked the Lord to take him home. Family members surviving him are his wife, Jane (Logan) Gunther, and four daughters; Kam (Herb Hill, partner) Gunther of Spokane, WA; Laurie (Tom) Kuchera of Sioux City, IA; Christy (Jerry) Areshenko of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada; and Julie (Paul) Gilbertson of Grand Forks.  Preceding him in death is daughter Dani Gunther.   Six grandchildren; Annie Nardone, Jake Areshenko, Logan Kuchera, Kenzie Rudeen, Zach Gilbertson, and Delaney Gunther. Eight great grandchildren; Vincenzo, Santino, Lucia, Mila, Lou, Stella, Banx, Gunther, and a baby due in June.

Dave was born July 22, 1937, at his family home in LeMars, IA.  The oldest child of Arlyne (Koerner) and Clem Gunther, Dave and his siblings grew up in a busy family household.  Siblings who preceded him in death are Judy (Bruce) Mauer, Steve (Susan) Gunther, and Kate Gunther. Dave attended school in LeMars, IA and graduated from LeMars Community High School before attending the University of Iowa on a basketball scholarship.  Dave enjoyed a successful career with the Iowa Hawkeyes before beginning his career as head basketball coach that scanned over three decades at Wayne State, NE, University of North Dakota, Buena Vista, IA, and Bemidji State, MN.

Dave has always been known as a man of great integrity and moral character. He was very devoted to the development and growth of each of his basketball players.  While he took pride in the relationships that developed with his former players, his relationship with "his girls" is what brought him the most joy. His grandchildren reminisce about the many memories at Bemidji Lake and especially Roy Lake.  Fun times on the pontoon, fishing, campfires, grilling, games, jumping off the dock, dancing, and, most of all, laughing while basking in the love of their grandparents.  Papa's legacy will live on.

Thank you, Dad/Pops, for all the undying love you shared with our families.  We are stronger because of you. WWW – symbols used by Mom and Pops to each other sums up how each one of us feels about Dad/Pops," We love you Whole Wide World".

"I have fought the good fight, I finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."  II Timothy 4:7-8.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to:

UND Foundation
Dave and Jane Gunther Basketball Endowment
3501 University Ave Stop8157
Grand Forks, ND  58202

Please use the following links for the Gunther endowment:

Email: https://undfoundation.org/dave-jane-gunther-endowment .
Print: https://undfoundation.org/gunther-endowment .

Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Calvary Lutheran Church, 1405 South 9th Street Grand Forks, ND 58201.
Visitation: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the church on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
Interment: Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.
Military Honors: Accorded by members of the American Legion Post 157, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1817 and the North Dakota Army National Guard