Marion Josephine Gunn

Marion Josephine Gunn, 95, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023. She was the oldest of four children born to Johanna and Gustav Schuler December 10, 1927 and was raised in Madison, Minnesota on her parents’ farm. Marion was encouraged to attend college, and upon her graduation taught in a rural school where her younger brother, Gary, was a student. Marion married Frank Gunn, Ph.D., in San Diego California where he served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. Their four children: Cheryl, Brian, Alison and Lisa were all born in California.

Marion was a gifted educator, earning a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in counseling. She positively impacted countless students throughout her teaching career covering elementary, middle, and high school in the following states: Minnesota, Idaho, Washington, California, New Jersey, and Georgia. Her teaching skills spilled out onto the basketball court for a short coaching stint in her early days of teaching. Marion was presented with The Governor’s Award of Excellence in Teaching in 1987 by the state of New Jersey, where she taught from 1969 to 1987. When Marion retired from teaching at the age of 74, she moved from Atlanta, Georgia to Kansas City, Missouri and served as a volunteer as a Youth Friend in the Park Hill School District.

Marion loved spending time with her family and friends and loved to travel. Some of her favorite trips were abroad and family trips. Marion hosted annual bicoastal family reunions, enriching and strengthening relationships among her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Marion’s generous spirit and commitment to her family cultivated the love and connection shared between her children.

Marion enjoyed birding, playing cards with her family, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, and was a talented artist. Giving back was important to her. She served on Gloria Dei’s Social Ministry team, a community outreach mission and was a member of the WELCA Women’s Lutheran Group and the American Association of University Women.

She is survived by her children: Cheryl Gunn Seidler and spouse Norbert Seidler, Brian Gunn, Alison Nisbet Barnes and spouse Mitchell Barnes and Lisa Gunn Adams and spouse Ed Adams. Grandchildren: Alyssa Seidler and spouse Colby Morris, Chris Seidler and spouse Jessica Seidler, Kirsten deRoode and spouse David deRoode, Frankie Gunn, Darren Barnes, Ryan Barnes and partner Monica Prestegui, and Curtis Barnes, Danielle Gunn Adams and her fiancé Bryan Carberry, Michael Gunn Adams and spouse Natalie S. Adams. Great-grandchildren: Leo deRoode, Riley Barnes and Madison Prestegui. Special aunt to: Pamela Nisbet, Vicki, Marcus, Rebecca and Kari Vick.

Marion is preceded in death by her parents Gustav and Johanna Schuler; husband Frank Gunn and her siblings: Gary Schuler, Lavonne Nisbet, and Carol Vick.

A memorial service will be held 11 AM on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 5409 NW 72nd St, Kansas City, MO 64151.

If you so desire, contributions can be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church's Social Ministry Team. The mission of this team  is to serve the community by providing resources, support and services to people in need.