Daniel L. Gunter

Daniel Lee Gunter, 74, of Havana, passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 8:15 a.m. at Mason District Hospital in Havana. Dan was born on February 14, 1952 in Canton, Illinois to Fred Gunter Jr. and Estyl Danner. He married Bonnie (Bubert) Gunter at Dickson Mounds on August 18th, 1990. She survives.

Dan is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his daughter, Shirley (Christian) Wood; his grandchildren, Elliot Holcomb and Ronin Wood; step-brother, Jeff McCombs; his cat, Jack; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Dan is preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Lawrence McCombs; and his cats, Dobi and Chester.
Dan attended schools in Astoria, graduating in 1970. Dan’s first job at 13 years old was at the Subway Café in Astoria. He then went on to work at Chuck and Bill’s Bi-Rite Grocery Store until he was drafted into the US Army in 1972. Dan was stationed in Germany for 19 months, then honorably discharged in August 1974.
After arriving home, Dan went to work at Bohn Aluminum and Brass in Beardstown. He was later offered a job with Amax Coal Company in Vermont, IL as a Surveyor Helper. He later became a member of the United Mine Workers in 1977 until December 1983. After being laid off from the coal mine, Dan was offered a job at Mason District Hospital in 1984. Dan was a member of the Astoria Volunteer Fire Department from 1975 as a firefighter, Emergency Rescue Technician and EMT. He was a captain and assistant chief during his time there. After moving to Havana in 1985, Dan served on both the Havana City and Rural Fire Departments.
Dan’s memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana, with a visitation two hours prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Jim Neely will officiate.
Memorial donations may be made in Dan’s name to the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.