Earl Don Gunter

Earl Don Gunter went home peacefully to his Father in Heaven on February 24, 2013. Earl was born as the 8th of 9 children on April 1, 1936 to Rufus Marion Gunter and Lora (Cole) Gunter in Pocatello, Idaho. He grew up in the small towns of Arimo, Idaho and Robin, Idaho. He later attended and graduated from Pocatello High School in 1955. Earl made many friends during this time, some of whom remained throughout his life. After high school, he went to ISU for a year before joining the Army Reserves. During the summer he was home, he met the love of his life, Peggy Gambles. They dated for a while, got engaged in May of 1959, and married October 23, 1959 in Pocatello. Earl and Peggy were blessed with 3 wonderful sons. Earl worked for the Coca Cola Company for 8 years, then on to Clover Club foods and finished his career in the food business working for Quaker Oats.

Earl loved to spend time with his family and friends! Every autumn he would be hunting in the hills and he taught all of his sons to hunt as well. As a grandfather, he also hunted with his sons and grandchildren. He loved to fish, whether it be in warm weather or a hole in the ice! Earl worked many years on the ski patrol at Pebble Creek Ski area and he taught his sons to ski and even some of his grandchildren! During the summers the family would take their boat and camper and go on weekend trips with their friends and extended family. He was an avid ATV rider who enjoyed riding in the mountains and the desert. The few times Earl wasn't out doing all these activities he could be found working at home on his beautiful yard. He loved to build unique birdhouses or just sit and relax on his back patio. Dancing was also among the many of Earl's talents! He would take his lovely wife Peg out dancing and he even entered a contest on one of their cruises! The time that he spent with his family and friends will always hold many treasured memories.

Earl leaves behind his wife Peggy of 53 years; eldest son, Brad (Susan) Gunter, sons Mike (Sandy) Gunter, Shawn (Tracy) Gunter; grandchildren, Josh Gunter, Stephanie (Chaz) Brown, Cody Gunter, Vanessa Gunter, Kaden Gunter, Kenny (Rachel) Abbey; great-grandchildren; Kash Brown, Grace, Kaitlin, and Caleb Abbey; brothers, Robert (Pat) Gunter, Marvin (Carole) Gunter, and sisters Helen (Maurice) Toler, Joyce (Blaine) Jensen, and Connie Olson. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Arlo (Melba) Gunter and Dean (Betty) Gunter, and sister Erma.

The family would like to thank all of those who showed love and support to Earl during his tough battle with cancer the last few years. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at Wilks Funeral Home 211 W. Chubbuck Road. A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2013 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the services on Saturday. Interment will follow services in the Restlawn Memorial Gardens with military rites provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.wilksfuneralhome.com.

Service information is posted under the "Service Schedule" tab above.

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