Obituary of Duane C. Gundlach

WESTFIELD - Duane C. "Skip" Gundlach, age 82, loving husband to Leona (Bartlett) Gundlach of Clinton Street, Westfield, New York, passed away at Absolut Care in Westfield on January 5, 2008. He was born in Eagle, New York on March 1, 1925, a son of Russell Gundlach and Jennie Tharp Belden. Skip grew up in Westfield, New York and attended Westfield Academy. He was a graduate of Chief Commissary Stewards School in Jacksonville, Florida. He honorably served his country in the US Navy during World War II, from 1943 to 1945, in the South Pacific aboard the USS LST 278 as cook and baker, then as Chief Connoisseur. He was Acting Chief on the USS Mercer APB-39. He belonged to American Legion Post 327 and VFW Post 6764. He retired from Renolds (Ajax) Incorporated of Westfield in 1990, after working there for 26 years. An active member of the Westfield Moose Lodge 118 since 1947, Skip served as Lodge Administrator from 1990 - 2001. The degree of Pilgrim was bestowed upon him in 1980. He performed with the ritual team for new indoctrinees and personally sponsored over 250 men into the Moose. He "Went through the Chairs" and served as Governor of the Moose from 1972 -1974. Skip and his wife Leona enjoyed traveling extensively in the United States and abroad. He enjoyed riding motorcycles; he used to drive his Triumph Trophy Trail to work and back each day. He was an avid golfer and loved to play poker with his friends at the Westfield Moose. At home, he took pleasure in the ever-growing rose garden, the squirrels and birds. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Leona (Bartlett) Gundlach of Westfield, New York; daughters Sue Coe of Barefoot Bay, Florida and Sharon Parker of Ocala, Florida; stepchildren Brian Lewis of North East, Pennsylvania, Alan Lewis of Leland, North Carolina and Christine Covert of Havelock, North Carolina; grandchildren Brooke Covert of Raleigh, North Carolina, Kati Lewis of Leland, North Carolina; Kristopher, Brandon, Sean and Corry Lewis of North East, Pennsylvania and Jamie Chimera of Erie, Pennsylvania and great grandchild Christopher John "CJ" Chimera of Erie, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Herman "Dutch" Gundlach. Friends may call on Monday afternoon from 4-6 PM at the MASON FUNERAL HOME, 37 Clinton St., Westfield, NY, and are invited to attend the Funeral Service on Tuesday morning at 11:00 a.m. at The First United Methodist Church of Westfield, with Rev. Matthew Golibersuch officiating. Private burial will be in North East Cemetery in North East, PA. The family has requested Memorial Donations to made to the Westfield Fire Department Memorial Fund, 23 Elm St., or to the First United Methodist Church of Westfield, (pastor's discretionary fund) 101 East Main St., or to The Westfield Memorial Hospital Auxillary, 189 East Main St., all of Westfield, NY 14787. Logon to www.masonfuneral.com to send an e-condolence or to sign a guest page.