Obituary for Karl Arden Gunnell Karl A. Gunnell, 94, of Mesa, Arizona passed away Sunday May 20th, 2018 in his home. He was born June 13, 1923 in Howell, UT to the parents of Charles B. Gunnell and Myrtle Rebecca Cutler. Siblings are: Lamoine, Lola Adams, Wayne, Don, Darwin, Harold, Grant, and Ruth Strong.
Karl was raised on a wheat farm in Howell, UT. He attended a two room elementary school through 8th grade in Howell. He Graduated from Bear River High School in Tremonton, UT and attended Utah State University.
He worked at Hill Field Army base in Ogden, UT repairing Navy Air Craft. He enlisted in the Navy in Jan. 1944, Serving in San Diego, Florida, and New York.
He repaired Navy planes at Luke Army Base in Goodyear, AZ. He met his wife, Norene Barton at a Church dance in Ogden, Utah while working at Hill Field Army Base. They married in the Mesa Arizona Temple on April 14, 1945 and were married 70 years until Norene passed away in 2015.
They had four children; Jeff, Robert, Karlene, and Anne. They had 16 Grandchildren, and 33 Great-Grandchildren. In 1948, Karl opened his own Jewelry Store in downtown Mesa.
He retired in 1987. He sold Gunnell’s Jewelry after 39 years, to his son, Jeff, and is still open after 70 years of business. Karl was a civic leader, serving as President of the Mesa Lions Club and Mesa Downtown Business association for many years.
He loved serving in the Boy Scouts of America and was the District Camping Chairman for 5 years. He served in many troop capacities with his 2 sons and received the distinguished Silver Beaver Award in 2003. From his childhood, Karl enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping.
Many family summer trips were spent camping in the Arizona White Mountains. Karl and Norene enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington, Canada, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and especially Yellowstone National Park. Karl spent many hours volunteering his cooking skills for the Scouts, church activities, The Lions Club fundraisers, and civic groups.
Karl and Norene are famous for their dutch oven rolls and BBQ chicken at large family reunions! Karl especially enjoyed playing fast pitch softball as the pitcher. He played with his brothers Grant, Darwin and brother in law, Raymond Strong.
He was on church and city leagues for many years. He leaves behind many golfing buddies. Karl & Norene enjoyed & loved their huge extended family of 45 nieces & nephews.
Many family dinners, steak frys, and parties are most memorable! Karl was honored to attend the WWII Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. in October 2016 in the company of other WWII vets, and his buddy Louie Piergallin. Karl and Norene were always known for their “Team Togetherness”.
You really cannot say Karl without Norene… They leave a special legacy for family and friends. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Karl Arden Gunnell please visit our Sympathy Store. Upcoming Events Visitation 2018 MAY 29.
06:00 PM – 08:00 PM Meldrum Mortuary & Crematory 52 N Macdonald Mesa, AZ, US, 85201 meldrummortuary52@gmail.com www. meldrumcrematory.com/ Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Karl’s Visitation begins. Visitation 2018 MAY 30.
09:00 AM The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1345 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ, US, 85203 Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Karl’s Visitation begins. Funeral 2018 MAY 30. 10:00 AM The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1345 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ, US, 85203 Order Flowers for the Funeral Service Guaranteed delivery before Karl’s Funeral Service begins.
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