Roger Allen Gunsch

August 22, 1939 – January 12, 2021

The words used most often to describe Roger Gunsch are loving, patient, a man with a gentle soul. He could also be called a sailor, a chauffeur, and a quick wit. But the titles he loved the most were husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle.

Roger was born on August 22, 1939 in French Camp, California to Andrew (Andy) and Emelia Gunsch. Brother Claude joined the family nine years later.

The family resided in Lodi, California where Roger attended and graduated from Lodi Union High in 1957. He joined the army shortly after. While stationed in Washington State, he welcomed his first daughter, Beverly, with former wife Louetta (Nantt).

After his tour of duty, the family settled back in Lodi, where second daughter, Dawn, was born. They later moved to Modesto for Roger’s job in insurance. When his company wanted to transfer him again, he took a job at International Paper Company where his uncle Bud worked, rather than uproot his family again.

In 1976, Roger was introduced to Marie Barnes by her sister, Katy, and his mom. Roger and Marie were married on August 5, 1978 and Roger became a second father to Michael and Susan. The family moved to Turlock, where he remained until his passing.

Roger loved the Lord, and was an usher at First Southern Baptist Church of Ceres, where he and Marie have been members for many years. He retired from International Paper Company in 2005 after 34 years. Retirement enabled him more time to watch his favorite show, “Days of Our Lives,” and to spend more time with family and friends. As part of a large extended family, he often joked he was busier retired than when he was working. That’s because anyone who knew Roger knew he could be counted on. For anything. Without complaint and with honor.

Roger had a passion for sailing his Venture 15 and got a kick out of introducing people to sailing. He got joy from entertaining the kids, spending hours every year preparing the pool for guests. He enjoyed ice cream and his wife’s homemade treats. He liked to “travel” on the Internet, posting weather and traffic of places he virtually visited. Mostly, he adored his family, cherishing time spent with those he loved and who loved him.

He was preceded into heaven by his “pop” Andrew (Andy) Gunsch and mother Emelia Gunsch.

He is survived by his wife Marie; his brother Claude Gunsch (Gini); his children Beverly Ortega (Gus), Dawn Anfuso (Ron), Michael Barnes (Holly), and Susan Shakeshaft (Terry); his grandchildren Christina, Tawnya, Jared, Jake, Jacob, Kyler, Jason and Caden; and great grandchildren Reece, Maverick and Devyn; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Private service to be held at Allen Mortuary in Turlock, Friday, February 5^th, 2021 at 1:00 pm (to be livestreamed).

Livestream at: Roger Gunsch Private Broadcast™

Pin: 686-342

Condolences(11)

Cynthia Wooten says
February 6, 2021 at 2:22 pm

Uncle Roger you are so very loved and have touched the lives of many. You were like the dad I never had, a true Blessing in my life.
You were a kindhearted man with a gentle soul. Gods love shined through you.
Thank you Aunt Marie, Bev, Dawn, Mike and Susan for sharing him with me and including me on many of your family adventures. I have so many great memories that I will cherish forever.
My heart aches for the loss of you Uncle Roger, I wish I had one last hug. Some day we will meet again in heaven.
Thank you for helping to shape the person I have become.
Psalm 34:18
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Phyllis A Simpson says
February 5, 2021 at 10:49 pm

Marie so sorry to hear about Roger’s passing. Worked with him all the years he was was at IP. Don’t remember ever seeing him without a smile on his face. God bless and keep you!
Phyllis Simpson
Karen Koenig says
February 5, 2021 at 8:49 pm

Dear Marie and family, this is neighbor Karen. Where to start…..I’m so sorry. To lose Roger is a loss that will be felt forever. We have been neighbors for 16 years and it seems like a flash. Roger was always out and about. He’d be watering the plants, picking up the daily paper, maybe going for a bicycle ride or driving you two somewhere in your car. I don’t know how he did it but every Monday he was THE first person to get the garbage, recycling and yard waste containers out to the curb…for 16 years!!. He was Mr. Early Bird on Mondays! We talked on a regular basis. I enjoyed our talks as he was such a friendly guy. I miss those talks. The last time we talked was Christmas Eve. He came over and we chatted for a good amount of time. I then left town for several days. When I returned he was already hospitalized. As hard as it’s been, it’s also been heartwarming to see your family gathering around to support you. I’ve met some of your family members and it always seems that I’ve just met a new friend. Take care and know that many people are here to support you.
Debbie Douglas says
February 5, 2021 at 7:46 pm

Roger was a man of integrity A kind and gentle soul with a loving and compassionate heart a shining example of what Christian should be that loved God family and Church a true friend he will be greatly missed
Jamie Anfuso-Rooker says
February 4, 2021 at 10:56 pm

A beautiful man. Marie, I’m so sorry that you both became ill and then he took a turn for the worse. Never will I forget our fun time on the ship. All the laughter at the dining table. Then that late night when I couldn’t sleep and both of you turned around and walked back and sat with me, at 1:00 in the morning, while I got something to eat. I pray that you begin to remember and the fun times and can draw peaceful love from it. My heart is with you both. Roger will be sorely missed.
Tiffany White says
February 3, 2021 at 7:00 pm

I have such such fond memories of Roger and Marie. Condolences from the entire Sam and Jeanette White family.
Tonia Tewell (White aka one of the twins) says
February 2, 2021 at 11:06 am

God bless you all!
Fernanda Cabral-Silva says
January 24, 2021 at 4:14 pm

Marie my condolences and blessings to you. Roger will be missed. You both were the perfect neighbor’s for those 20 years. It was a shock to here about what had happened and very sad to here about his passing. Thank you Karen for letting me know. The memories will always be in my mind and cherished of the long talks and jokes with roger and Marie. My thoughts and prayers go out to You Marie and the family.
Catherine Lawicki says
January 20, 2021 at 7:22 pm

Dear Marie and family,

I was stunned and saddened to hear of Roger’s passing. My condolences. I always thought of Roger and Marie” in the same sentence. Inseparable. If you saw one you saw the other. His kind, smiling face will be missed. Family get togethers will not be the same. May God hold Roger in his loving hands.
Tami Gelbrich says
January 19, 2021 at 5:59 pm

Roger was always so sweet when I came to the house to see Susan. I was there often. No wonder I liked him so much. He loves Days of our lives like I do. Him and Marie were always so welcoming. You just felt like family when you came to their house. I was very sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family. Love Tami Gelbrich (formally Andersen)
Michael Henry Gunsch says
January 19, 2021 at 5:01 am

A special message of condolences and blessings from Aunt Lillian Gunsch and her family, Michael, Vicki and Susan, in North Dakota. We were saddened to hear of Roger’s passing, but are blessed to know. Also pleased that Jannette called to let us know.

Roger Allen Gunsch August 22, 1939 - January 12, 2021

Condolences(11)

Cynthia Wooten says

Phyllis A Simpson says

Karen Koenig says

Debbie Douglas says

Jamie Anfuso-Rooker says

Tiffany White says

Tonia Tewell (White aka one of the twins) says

Fernanda Cabral-Silva says

Catherine Lawicki says

Tami Gelbrich says

Michael Henry Gunsch says

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