John N. Cunningham, 101, of Eagle River, Wisconsin died Monday, July 20, 2009 at Eagle River Memorial Hospital in Eagle River, Wisconsin.

He was born Spetember 14, 1907 in Perry, Iowa to David and Agatha “Marie” Pantier Cunningham.  He grew up in Iowa and served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Knox during World War Two.  He married Adeline Wellenstein of Lake Church, Wisconsin on January 17, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois.

After their marriage the couple resided on Cedar Beach Road in the town of Belgium, Adeline’s family built and ran the former Cedar Beach Bar.  John worked for Harnishfeger Homes in Port Washington and when they closed the Port Washington operation, moved to Illinois to continue working for them.  He later took a job as a production control manager for the former Perfix Company in Milwaukee.

John retired and the couple moved to California and settled in Arizona.  He took a job  at the Zuni Elementary School in Scotsdale, working in the cafeteria and enjoyed working with children.  He worked there until he was 98 years old and drove himself around until he was 99 years old.  He moved  to Eagle River shortly after, to live with his daughter.  He enjoyed reading Westerns, golfing, bowling, tending to his yards landscaping and had a wonderful sense of humor.  His wife preceded him in death October 31, 1995.

He is survived by his daughter Patricia (Neil) Anders of Eagle River, 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.  Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Preceded by his wife, son Jay Cunningham, brother David Cunningham and sister Helen Bess.

The Rev. Guy Gurath will celebrate Mass of Christian Burial 11 am Friday, July 24, 2009 at St. Mary’s Church, 6092 Lake Church Road, Lake Church, Wisconsin.  Interment parish cemetery.  Visitation 10:30 – 11 am Friday AT CHURCH.  Memorials appreciated.

PRINT THIS OBITUARY