Obituary of Kurt Charles Gundacker

Colonel Kurt C. Gundacker, 78 of Coralville died Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Atrium Village in Hills, Iowa. Kurt Charles Gundacker was born and raised in New Hampton, Iowa. As an adult, he lived in Iowa City, was on active duty in Permasens Germany, Cedar Rapids, and Rosemount, Minnesota. He has three siblings: Kristin, Erik, and Jenifer. In 1963, he married Lana, and they had two children: Holly and Tara. They later divorced. In 1976, he married Rita. She previously had two children: Julie and Jeff. He has three grandchildren. Kurt is a graduate of the University of Iowa - ROTC; he has a MA degree from Winona State University; and is a graduate of War College in Pennsylvania. He taught in Cedar Rapids where he also coached football and wrestling for 10 years. He then returned to active duty. After 33 years of service, he retired from the army as a full Colonel and worked as a consultant for the Veteran’s Administration. Kurt was a man of many interests. He loved sports, participating in actively, and observing events. His favorite baseball team was the Cardinals because of his Dad, who was a sports writer for the New Hampton newspaper. He didn’t miss a Vikings game on television, and fervently attended Hawkeye football games for many years. He was an avid trout fisherman, bicycled miles throughout Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, skied both cross country and downhill, played tennis, ran four miles a day every day until he got sick, and hiked trails around the United States. Kurt was able to produce beautiful flower and bountiful vegetable gardens on our acreage in Minnesota. In the arts, he loved museums and attending concerts at Orchestra Hall and Broadway productions at the wonderful theatres in Minneapolis/St. Paul. However, most important to Kurt was love of family which included his beloved golden retrievers, his service to our country and the great outdoors. Memorial services will be held at 2pm Sunday, October 3, 2021, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Followed by a time of fellowship with his family and friends. Burial with military honors will take place at 10:30 am Monday, October 4. 2021 at Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois.