Norman J. Gunnink

Norman John Gunnink, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather entered into God’s Kingdom on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the age of 82.  Norman was born in Elkhorn, Wisconsin on December 25, 1942, to Harold and Bernice (Risseeuw) Gunnink, the first of 11 children. Norman attended Clinton High School and graduated in 1960. After graduation, he went into an apprenticeship for painting in Beloit, WI. In 1963, Norman married his high school sweetheart, Arlene (Leusink). Norman grew up in a farming family and he returned to farming in the early 70’s. Farming was the second love of his life after his beloved wife. Norman owned the farm of his dreams and lived there for over 33 years. He was a DeKalb seed dealer and owned Gunnink Painting where he utilized the skills he obtained through his painting apprenticeship. Even after moving off the farm a few years ago, he continued farming through his children and grandchildren. Norman was a lifelong member of Emmanuel Community Church in Clinton, WI. He was a man of unwavering faith, whose life was a testament to the power of love, kindness, and devotion to God.

Norman always cherished time spent with his family during Sunday dinners, family trips, and watching his grandchildren in their many activities and life milestones. He always looked forward to his large extended family gatherings and yearly reunions. And his daily morning breakfast time at the Clinton Kitchen reminiscing with cherished friends was a highlight of his day.

Norman is survived by his loving family members: his wife of over 62 years, Arlene, sons: Brad (Edel), Brian (Jill), Brent (Jill), and daughter, Brenda. Norman had an abundant love for his 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandson: Brad/Edel: Ella, Jonah, Elijah, Lila, Jedidiah. Brian/Jill: Nolan (Emily) great grandson Jensen, Sadie, Jack (Bronwyn), Max, John. Brent/Jill: Natalie, Holly. His dear sisters and brothers: Carol (Duane) Pansegrau, Melvin (Robin), Lynette (Dave) TeBeest, LaDonna (Tom) Sonntag, Kathy (Bruce) Buwalda, Dianne (Mark) Kastein, Sherry (Craig) Laper, Curt (Abbe), Jeff (Bree), his sister-in-law, Susan Gunnink, and his many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Darrel Gunnink, and many others that were dear to him.

Norman lived his life loving the Lord and trusting in His strength to take him through both good times and challenges. He devoted his life to showing the love of the Lord to others and he has left an inspiring legacy for his family and friends and all who knew him.  Now that Norman has passed into the arms of our Lord, we remind ourselves that while this is the end of his physical life on earth, it is the beginning of an eternal and beautiful journey for him that he looked forward to and which gave him an everlasting hope. Norman knew there was nothing he could do in this life to earn his way into heaven. He found comfort and joy in his faith knowing that accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior was the most important decision he ever made.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
 

Norman’s Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday March 29, 2025, in the EMMANUEL COMMUNITY CHURCH 319 EAST STREET, Clinton, WI with Pastor Clyde Rensink officiating. Friends will be received on Friday in the Church from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Burial will follow in the Clinton Cemetery. Memorials to Emmanuel Community Church.  Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared on our website.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.