Wallace “Wally” Gunnink, age 85, of Isanti and formerly of McGregor, died January 2, 2024 at home. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 9th at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti. A time for visiting will be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.
Wallace “Wally” Gunnink was born July 5, 1938 in Pipestone, Minnesota to John and Hattie (Evink) Gunnink. He was raised and attended school in Milaca, MN. Wally then served his country in the US Navy for four years as a radio operator on a destroyer; was honorably discharged and came home to MN. He drove truck for Vant Transfer, then he and his wife started their own trucking company, Wal-Zon Transfer in 1982. He retired, after 25 years, in 2007 and moved to their home on Lake Minnewawa in McGregor, MN. He started remodeling and we had Wally World. It had a dance floor and jukebox, pool table, etc. It was all for the children and grandchildren. He then bought a farm to realize his dream of having Polled Hereford cattle. That led to having miniature horses that he trained to cart and he and the family enjoyed driving the miniatures in parades in McGregor and surrounding areas. In 2017 he and Zondra became snowbirds and bought a park model in Pharr, Texas. He started remodeling, adding a big deck and a ramp. He was very proficient at Scroll Sawing and made many beautiful items for family and friends. He has made many friends in Pharr and will be missed.
Wally passed away January 2, 2024 at home at the age of 85 years, 5 months and 28 days. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, Anthony Gunnink and John Gunnink; sister, Jenny Gunnink; and sisters-in-law, Carole Gunnink, Bonnie Gunnink and Evonne Gunnink.
Wally will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Zondra; children, Valerie Gunnink, Vannessa (Joe) Young, Teressa (Tony) Bezenar, Jeffrey Ilaug, Brent (Jill) Ilaug, Keith (Melissa) Ilaug, and Lisa Cameron; brothers, Henry “Hank” Gunnink and Alvin (Marilyn) Gunnink; 19 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.
We are so sorry for your loss. Wally was a great man and will be missed by many. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs to all.
The Allen Family Patrick,Bette,Benjamin and Shannon
Our thoughts and our prayers are with all of Wally loved ones. Wally will be remembered by our entire family for his smile, kindness and generousity. We enjoyed talking with him, visiting Wally-World, and learning about his mini-horses and his life. He really loved his wife and family. Wally & Zondra were long time friends with our parents. Sending love to Zondra and hugs all around. I was proud to know Wally. Fly high Wally, say hello to Sig & Judie
The Paulson and the Lodin familes
Donation made to the America Cancer Society in memory of Wally.
Happy eternal farming in heavenly green pastures Wally.