Donald J. Gunville

Don was born April 2, 1934, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Joseph and Eva (Paupore) Gunville. He proudly served in the United States Army and upon his honorable discharge returned to Niagara.

Don married Margaret K. Baumler on Sept. 22, 1956, at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. Following marriage, they resided for a few years in Iron Mountain, before making Niagara their home. Margaret preceded Don in death on Sept. 29, 2015.

Don worked at the Niagara Paper Mill for over 40 years, where he was known as “Pea Soup” before he retired.

He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Niagara, and the American Legion Cretton-Tutas Post 136 of Niagara.

While in high school, Don excelled in football, baseball and basketball. Over the years it became evident that he had passed his talent on to his family, as they all excelled in sports. Don was always present for his children and grandchildren’s sporting events.

Over the years he enjoyed going to camp, fishing, hunting, playing golf at Oakcrest and Green Acres, and was an avid Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan.

Don will be remembered for his smiling face, his laugh and his open arms.

Survivors include three sons, Joe Gunville of Kingsford, Mark (Laurie) Gunville of Niagara, and Mike Gunville of Green Bay; one daughter, Donna Gunville of Kingsford; one brother, James (Donna) Gunville of Niagara; three grandchildren, Tonia (James) Westrich, Amber (Janssen) Baji and Ashley (Ed) Sundquist; seven great-grandchildren, Marcus, Ryan, Peyton, Kailey, Mathew, Cameron and Weston; many nieces and nephews; and very special companion, Lysle Rugg of Niagara, and all of her extended family.

In addition to his parents and his wife Margaret, Don was preceded in death by one sister, Jean Sielaff.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Niagara.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Rev. Fr. Timothy Brandt will officiate.

Burial will be in Niagara Cemetery.

The American Legion Cretton-Tutas Post 136, Niagara, and the American Legion Uren-Cooper-Johnson Post 50, Iron Mountain, will accord military honors at graveside.

You may leave a condolence or tribute for Don’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services-Niagara Chapel, to honor Don’s legacy of life.