Memorial services for David Robert Guntert, 64, Lawrence will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, February 27, 2017 at The Prairie (South on E 1900 Road, SE of Lawrence (near the ski lake and practice golf course) Approximately 1.99 miles West on N 1150 Road to top of hill (sight on left side of road) (.37 miles). Family property that was donated to Kansas Land Trust a few years back. It is original prairie grass so please bring lawn chairs if you would like sit. David passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at his home.
David was born May 3, 1952 in Topeka, KS the son of Robert H. and Veneta (Kump) Guntert.
He was a graduate of Topeka West High School and went on to receive his Bachelor of Liberal Arts & Sciences from the University of Kansas in 1974 and Master of Arts Geography from the University of Kansas in 1978.
He was a member of the Triangle Fraternity at KU, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and The Arc of Douglas County (For People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities).
David worked for the City of Lawrence, KS as a City Planner for nearly 40 years since beginning in 1977. He joined the City Planning Department when there was one Director and only two Planners and watched it grow to the large and full capacity of staff as of today, as the City grew and expanded. During his tenure, he was involved in many aspects of the business working with staff support of the Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission and City Commission Boards. He also worked on the preparation of multiple long-range documents as a policy/research planner in his early years in the office. These plans included Neighborhood Plans, Plan 95, the Douglas County Guide Plan, the Downtown Comprehensive Plan and Horizon 2020. He provided staff support and analysis for four Decennial Census periods. He provided countless hours of behind the scenes work to build and maintain various data layers on the City's Geographic Information System. Previously worked for Pete Whitenight at Men's Town Shop Clothiers from 1974 to 1977 in downtown Lawrence.
He married Teresa Frances on June 25, 1978 in Lawrence. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include three children, Jordan Schyler Guntert, Lawrence, Ehren David Guntert, Dallas, TX, Tayler Frances Guntert, Aurora, CO; one brother, John Albert Guntert, Topeka; brother-in-law, Timothy Hearshman, Olathe, KS; nephew, Dan (Daniel) Hearshman and his wife, Tracy Lawrence; and uncle, Don Gardner and his wife, Beverly, Lawrence. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Margaret Anne Guntert Hearshman, Olathe.
He was a faithful, dedicated and supportive father, husband, son and sibling and was known to all, throughout his life, for his enduring stability, humbleness, steadiness and huge heart of compassion. He fell deeply in love with Jesus as a young man as he would constantly seek to serve Him boldly in whatever capacity God would direct him. Over the past several years he joined his wife to minister in the streets of Lawrence in order to reach the lost and offer healing to those in need, operated a Healing Room Ministry, opened his home to strangers off the streets to detox and restore, offered a Fathering role to those who were in need and lent a steady hand to all who were seeking peace and restoration. He was the Rock behind supporting his wife who continues to go about ministering to the hurting and lost locally while he stayed faithful to his work with the City in order to financially support their ministries, never asking for alms or seeking tax deductions. He truly saw the vision of the church of Jesus functioning outside the walls of buildings just as in the days of old.
Memorials may be made in his name to the Healing Streams Ministry or TARC and may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
Online condolences may be posted at warrenmcelwain.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
To David's family, I am so sorry to hear about David. He became a very nice friend of mine, on the morning bus ride to work. I enjoyed our conversations and laughs. He will be missed by me and others on our morning commute. Sending my condolences.
Kathrine Banks
March 10, 2017
Terri and family: We were saddened to hear that my fraternity brother had been called home to paradise with our creator. The Lord must have needed David for some special project only he could handle. We wish that you find comfort in all of the people David was able to touch. Maybe we can see you at the next reunion. May the peace of Christ grant perpetual light to David. Amen.
John and Denise Goetz
March 4, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. David was such a nice man!
Reenie Stogsdill
February 28, 2017
I am very sorry to hear of David's passing. My condolences to Terry and the family. I remember him as always been steady and consistent in his mood and his work. He was pleasant to work with . I admire that his faith in Jesus was known. A good role model for us who follow. Sincerely, Paul Horvath
Paul HORVATH
Acquaintance
February 27, 2017
Teri and family,
David was one those guys who I thought would be around forever -- he was so athletic and laid back and always had a quick smile and a positive attitude. I got to know him first from his work in the planning office and as a steady professional voice of reason at planning commission and city commission meetings. Later I ran with him -- actually usually far behind him -- during Saturday runs with Red Dog's group. It's hard to believe he's gone on to his eternal reward. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family for your loss. I hope you can take solace in knowing what a treasure he was to our community.
Dave Toplikar
February 27, 2017
To David's family,
As I will be unable to attend the service (I have a courtroom full of people to attend to), I wanted to express my condolences for your loss. We never know what tomorrow will bring. Dave, CB Lackey and I lived together for a year after we left Triangle. Though we have only had a few opportunities to interact since that time, I will remember Dave as a truly kind, considerate humble human being, whom it was a privilege to call a friend. I trust that your faith will give you comfort at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Ted
Ted Collins
February 27, 2017
I stood watching as the little ship sailed out to sea. The setting sun tinted his white sails with a golden light, and as he disappeared from sight a voice at my side whispered, He is gone.
On the farther shore a little band of friends had gathered to watch and wait in happy expectation. Suddenly they caught sight of the tiny sail and, at the very moment when my companion had whispered, He is gone, a glad shout went up in joyous welcome, Here he comes!
David Woosley
February 27, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Harv & VaLera Groening
February 27, 2017
So sorry for your loss -- David was a great guy..God Bless..
Ernie Shaw
February 27, 2017
Ted Collins
February 26, 2017
Teri & family,
I am deeply saddened in the passing of precious David. He was always of such warmth and comfort to me as he patiently guided me with wisdom in his words in fellowship at the Seed as well as in the workplace. My calls to Planning over the last few decades were always addressed with a clarity and compassion for my professional need .
Though I often asked the same question more than once , David never permitted me to feel foolish for asking. Our City has lost a consummate professional and the light in our world is dimmed in the passing of David. Prayer for God 's comfort to envelop your family in the difficult days ahead.
Becky Mondi
February 26, 2017
Terry and family you have been in our thoughts and prayers all week. I am so sorry for the loss of David. We know he's in a better place but only God can fill that void. He had such a sweet laid back personality. May God wrap his wings around and comfort you during this difficult time.
John and Cindy Gress
February 25, 2017
An easy man to like, it's been a privilege to know David. He was one man a person could trust. Terry and family, my prayers and condolences.
Tom Wheat
February 25, 2017
I am in shock for this loss. I will miss you my friend. Thank you for being my friend. You are now enjoying the home Jesus made for you. We all will be joining you soon,
Ray and Mary Atkinson
February 25, 2017
Teri and family of Lawrence, I am truly sorry for the pain you all feel in the absence of David from this earth. I your faith is strong and that you take comfort, as do I, that we will be united again. While I didn't live close in miles I was glad to have David as a First Cousin and do remember the times we were in Kansas to visit and play as kids. God bless you and know you are in my prayers. Georgia
Georgia Lindsey
February 24, 2017
I had the good fortune to work with David for five years in the late 70's. He was aces to work with and an all-around great guy who loved his family, his work and doing whatever he could to help anyone who asked. He was one of the most fair minded individuals I know and it showed in all his years of service to the city; especially his work with the Board of Zoning Appeals. I learned a lot from David and feel very fortunate to have known and worked with him.
Dean Palos
February 24, 2017
My deepest condolences for your loss.
Darryl Graves
February 24, 2017
Teri and family, I am so sorry for your loss. David was such a loving and gentle man. I am thankful to have called him a friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Engel
February 24, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss, David was one in a million. I have many great memories of jogging with David on our lunch hours.
David was the one who got me to do my first Half Marathon many years ago and we did it together. Thanks David for being my friend and helping me finish the race.
I feel honored to have gotten to know David and his family. Rest in Peace.
Ken Fangohr
February 23, 2017
So sorry for the death of David, may peace be your as you think of the happy memories you shared together.
jimmie eunice
February 23, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of David's passing. I worked with him at the planning office in Lawrence several years ago and will always remember what a sweet man he was. Always a smile for everyone. Thinking of his family and co-workers during this sad time.
Lisa Pool
February 23, 2017
I am so sorry we lost David. I knew David professionally through his work with as a city planner. He was wonderful to work with - a really good guy who made the world a better place.
Eric Kirkendall
February 23, 2017
Teri and family,
You will be in our thoughts and prayers! So sorry for your loss!
Linda Dodson
February 23, 2017
I am deeply sorry for your loss
May fond memories of happy peaceful times soothe your heart
and give you hope (Jeremiah 29:11)
CD CHARLOTTE NC
I am deeply sorry for your loss
Please lean on the only true source of comfort
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.(Isaiah 40:1)
CD CHARLOTTE NC
February 23, 2017
To the Guntert family: Prayers for peace and comfort. It has been wonderful to work with you during the years as neighbors and at the schools and friends. The Lord will be with you.
Love, Kay Rytting
Kay Rytting
February 22, 2017
Terry and Family, Patty and I are so, so sorry to hear about David; He is one of those very special guys whose gentle l nature and disposition brought him many friends. and I am grateful to be counted a one of those friends. I am also thankful that he knew and trusted the Lord.
Bob Skahan
February 22, 2017
Terri and family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. May God strengthen you and give you comfort during this difficult time.
Don and Carol Pennington
February 22, 2017
David, you will be missed by all, and Teri, I pray for your peace in knowing David is resting with our Lord. May peace and blessings bring some light to you and your family.
Love in Christ,
Phil
Phil Clasen
February 22, 2017
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