Tributes

Gerald "Jerry" Gould Gunhus went to his heavenly home on Thursday, November 30 with his sweet wife Shirley by his side. How do we sum up 80 years of a man who loved Jesus, his wife, kids, grandkids, brother, sister, family, and friends and most of all his sweets... The one word that came to everyone's minds when we think of Jerry is Oreo, that's right, the Oreo cookie. Like the layers of an Oreo, Jerry added fun and joy to life, a passion as timeless as the cookies twist, lick, and dunk ritual. His pursuit of happiness was as genuine as his love for his Oreos. Jerry was also known as the pancake master; he flipped more than just batter. He flipped frowns into smiles by making his special Village Inn pancake recipe for anyone. Jerry also had secrets. Hidden in desk drawers, closets, garage shelving, cars, coat pockets, and other people's homes were secrets... stashes of gummy bears, Oreo cookies, and Aunt Marge's fudge. One of his favorite secrets was the pancake special...a stack of pancakes with scoop of peanut butter, topped with over-easy egg, crisp bacon and dripping with syrup. Jerry leaves behind his wife, Shirley, married just over 60 years. Jerry and Shirley were inseparable, just like the perfect Oreo, a perfect balance of chocolate and cream. His two sons, Greg (Cathy) and Kirk (Tammi) were not only his sons, but his best friends. For Kirk, he was his boat driver going out almost daily to slalom ski and wake surf. The agreement to drive was the following: Gaither music was for skiing and AC/DC was for wake surfing. For Greg, he would become Greg's employee every time he visited. Jerry would never complain about the hard, hot, work even when Greg would not give him a break. Thank goodness for wonderful customers who would feel sorry for Jerry and offer him a "lemonade", also known as Mike's hard lemonade. He was always relaxed by the time he got home. His five grandchildren, Ben, Ashlynn, Megan, Amber and Jacob, were the ultimate Oreo filling of his life. The joy he had when he got to spend time with them was beyond anything. He was able to play his favorite game with them.... 20 questions. He always wanted to know everything that was happening in their lives. Beyond the kitchen, his greatest pursuit, his greatest hope, and his greatest joy was the simple belief in a grace that is for everyone and is freely given. In his final chapter, Jerry left behind, not just a legacy for pancakes, but a legacy of love, service, wise counsel, and generous giving. As we say goodbye to Jerry, let's remember him with a twist of joy, a lick of gratitude and a dunk of fun memories, like an Oreo. Remember, death has such a short sting when compared to eternity where we will all get to have another Oreo with Jerry. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville is proudly serving the Gunhus family.

Tributes

Gerald Gould Gunhus

January 2, 1943 - November 30, 2023