Obituary of Mukunda R. Kantamneni

Mukunda grew up in Challapalli, India and completed his Bachelors Degree at MIT (Manipal) and Master Degree in PSG Engineering College (Coimbatore). After Mukunda and Jiji Kantamneni were married, they moved to the United States where Mukunda completed his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Iowa. After being diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis, Mukunda was keen to give back to the same community that supported him and immediately joined The Department of Otolaryngology. Mukunda later combined his entrepreneurial mindset and love for automobiles by opening his own business. He successfully operated this Car-X for 20 years before retirement.

Behind his soft-spoken and courteous demeanor was a determined and resilient man with an unmatched zest for life.  He was intentional in everything he did, including being a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, cousin, uncle and friend.  He remains an inspiration to all his family and friends.

Mukunda is survived by his beloved wife, Jiji Kantamneni; his wonderful daughter and son, Lakshmi Sundblad and SriRaj Kantamneni; his devoted mother, Bharathi Devi, sister, and brother, Sarada Yarlagadda and Rangaiah Babu Kantamneni; his beautiful grandchildren, Sohan, Avani, Kiran, and countless uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. 

Mukunda passed away after a difficult and courageous battle with cancer.  He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.  Please join us in remembering and honoring his life.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 3.  Visitation will take place between 10am-12pm (CST) at Gay & Ciha, 2720 Muscatine Avenue in Iowa City, IA.  Memorial Service will be at 5:30pm at Courtyard by Marriott, 901 Melrose Avenue in Iowa City, IA.

For those who are unable to attend in person, the memorial service will be streamed online at www.gayandciha.com, Mukunda’s website page, click obituary, then livestream.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in support of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Graduate Student Support Fund to the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52244-4550. Please use the following link to submit your donation online. On the memo line or on a note attached, please indicate “Gift in memory of Mukunda R. Kantamneni.” https://donate.givetoiowa.org/s/1773/giving/19/interior.aspx?sid=1773&gid=2&pgid=509&cid=1288&dids=85.86.579&sort=1&bledit=1&appealcode=GFWEB

Hotel rooms have been blocked at the Hyatt Regency Coralville located at 400 E Ninth Street, Coralville, IA. Please use this link to book your hotel: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/IOWRC/G-CEL1