Earl Harvey Gunsallus

MIDDLETON - Earl Harvey Gunsallus was born on May 8, 1927, to Alverda (Wilkinson) and Blair Gunsallus. He was born in a railroading town. His father worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad. His grandfather worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Earl often equated life with riding on the train. He said when you’re born you climb aboard the train, take a seat and go for a ride. You see many interesting places, meet interesting people and if you’re lucky find a good companion to enjoy the ride with you. There will be stops along the way and sometimes delays on the track, but the train will always pull through. So, you sit back, enjoy the view and do the best that you can to make the journey count. You help others along the way, comfort those that have stayed on the train, but have left someone behind, and make sure you packed light, because heavy baggage costs extra. When your train finally reaches its destination, you deboard the train and embark on a new journey. You wave to those still on the train and listen to the whistle as it fades into the distance. 

Earl deboarded the train peacefully on the evening of September 29, 2026, in Verona, Wis. On his journey he worked for the NCR corporation for over 40 years, was married to his traveling companion, Irene, for over 70 years, and was a lay preacher for over 30 years. He saw many interesting sights by traveling through many states and countries for his job. He met many interesting people along the way and enjoyed sharing stories of his adventures. Many of his stories involved being the only boy with four sisters. He enjoyed teasing and playing pranks on them into adulthood. Earl shared the Gospel and sang with a joyful heart while on board. He was proud that he was able to serve his country during World War II. He joined the Shriner’s along his journey, and believed strongly in their mission to help children. He always said he could tell the weather by how a train whistle sounded. 

In 2015, the train stopped and Earl’s son, David, stepped off the train. Four years later, his wife, Irene, his traveling companion for over 70 years, disembarked. He is survived by his son, Stephen; his daughter, Joyce (Tom); his grandchildren, Laura, Elizabeth and Joseph; and one great grandchild, Julianna. 

Earl will be interred at the MJ “Dolly” Cooper Veteran’s Cemetery in Anderson, S.C. He will rest beside Irene and David. Earl has requested that there be no service and the family requests that there be no flowers or cards. Earl’s 99-year journey has reached its destination. It was a lengthy ride full of ups and downs, and delays and stops, but he made every minute count. Enjoy your next adventure, Dad. 

His family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice who started the hospice journey with us, Agrace HospiceCare who saw us through to the end of the line and the staff at Noel Manor Retirement Living for providing a safe and caring place for Dad to finish his ride. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761