Donald O. Gumz

Donald O. Gumz

August 27, 1925 - May 18, 2022

Obituary

Madison - Donald O. Gumz, age 96, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at his home. He was born on Aug. 27, 1925, in Avoca, the son of Otto and Alice (Snyder) Gumz, he was the oldest of seven children.


Don graduated from Avoca High School. He was united in marriage to Virginia Dahler on April 11, 1953, in Mineral Point. Don proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked for P.O. Lorillard Tobacco company for over 20 years and then worked for Webcrafters, retiring in 1991.


Don was an active and devoted member of Lakeview Moravian Church, where he served as a trustee for many years and played on the church dartball team. He also cared for the church's lawn and beautiful flowers, (the church on the triangle). Don was a hard worker and often mowed lawns and did household maintenance for many elderly friends for well over 30 years.


Don enjoyed going to county fairs and cheering on the UW volleyball team with his wife and good friends, Gary and Evelyn. Don and Virginia loved going on cruises with family and friends over the years. They also enjoyed listening to local bands and traveling to Nashville, Tenn., and Branson, Mo., with their good friends, Milford and Eileen. In 2015, Don had the privilege of going on the Badger Honor Flight with his daughter, Connie.  


Don is survived by his daughter, Connie (Perry) Johnson; son, Donnie (Diane) Gumz; step-grandchildren, Scott Lewis (Alice Heiman) and Carrie (Todd) Colbeck; and two step great-grandchildren, Paige Lewis and Conner Colbeck. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Virginia in 2014; brother, Darrel Gumz; nephew/godson, Danny Moodie; and niece, Janice Hasz.


A funeral service will be held at COMMON GRACE (formally known as Lakeview Moravian Church), 3565 Tulane Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2022, with the Rev. Staci Marrese-Wheeler presiding. Burial with Military Honors will follow at HIGHLAND MEMORY GARDENS, 3054 Highway BB, Cottage Grove. A visitation will be held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2022, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
 

Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420


Events

27
Visitation
Fri May 27, 2022 @ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
28
Visitation
Sat May 28, 2022 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Lakeview Moravian Church • 3565 Tulane Ave., Madison, WI 53714
28
Funeral Service
Sat May 28, 2022 @ 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Lakeview Moravian Church • 3565 Tulane Ave., Madison, WI 53714
28
Graveside Service
Sat May 28, 2022 @ 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM CDT
Highland Memory Gardens • 3054 County Rd BB, Madison, WI 53718
28
Military Honors
Sat May 28, 2022 @ 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM CDT
Highland Memory Gardens • 3054 County Rd BB, Madison, WI 53718
No photos of Donald have been shared yet.
JH
Jamo Haag
Other •
Just wanted to share my grandpa just told me he served with Donnie in the army said they went through their whole service together in Alaska and were discharged at the same time as well. He didn’t have much other to say other than he knew and served in the army with and got a long real well with him. My grandpa is Fredrick Haag. Just thought I would share since he seemed saddened by see his passing. I’m sorry for your loss.
LP
Leone Pierce
Other •
My mother, Norma Larson, was a classmate and always enjoyed visiting with Don and Virginia. He always mentioned how he enjoyed taking care of the church lawn/flowers. May your memories bring you comfort. Leone (Larson) Pierce

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