Allen R. “Al” “Gunner” Van Gundy, age 80, of La Crescent, Minn., died Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wis., with his daughters by his side holding his hands.
Allen was born November 9, 1942, at home, in Houston, Minn., the son of Carl and Luellen (Olson) Van Gundy. He was united in marriage to Loretta Leifeld on September 17, 1965, in La Crescent. Together they shared 46 years of marriage before her passing in 2011. She was the love of his life. They enjoyed going to NASCAR races and antique farm shows together, where he traveled with his bus to display his antique toys and Hit and Miss engines. Allen honorably served in the United States Army during Vietnam from 1964-1966, achieving the rank of Specialist 4 in the 267 Signal Company. Early in his life, Al helped out on his brothers’ farms, including Harold’s. He also worked at the creamery, John Deere in Waterloo, Iowa, and was a logger. Al was a heavy equipment operator, and a member of Operating Engineers Local 139 for 56 years. During his career, he worked in 11 different states, mostly in Wisconsin and out west. In retirement, he enjoyed restoring antique metal toy tractors and trucks, and Hit and Miss engines. Al was a fan of the Minnesota Vikings, and enjoyed fishing.
He is survived by his daughters Annette Van Gundy and Linda Van Gundy of La Crescent, and Nancy Van Gundy (Charlie Hotchkiss) of La Crosse; siblings Lois Quillin, Robert (Laurel) Van Gundy, Judy (Steve) Mrachek, Richard (Marion) Nelson, and Larry (Patty) Van Gundy; sisters-in-law Dorothy and Donna Van Gundy, brother-in-law Robert Gabbert, many nieces and nephews, and special friends including Bill and Dick Nissalke, Charlie Lehmann, Charlie Smith, Justin “Woody” Woodard, and Michele.
Allen is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Loretta, siblings Harold (Delores), Don (La Von), Wesley, Francis (Shirley), and Junior, brother-in-law Don Quillin, and many other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Gundersen Health System, including Naomi with Palliative Care, and Chaplain Peggy.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 3 p.m. at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston, Minn., with military honors to follow. Visitation will be prior to the service at church from 1-3 p.m. Interment will be held at a later date.
Hoff Funeral Home – Houston is assisting the family. www.hofffuneral.com.