Karl Gonter's Obituary
Karl Robert (Bob) Gonter, 85 of Lakewood, Washington died January 19, 2013 at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
He was born December 6, 1927 at Alderton, Washington.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, Mary Elizabeth Gonter-Blondin, his parents, Bernhardt Henry and Nelly Smiley Gonter, one brother, Bernhardt Henry Gonter II, and three sisters, Marie Hause Freeman, Betty Gearon, and Doris (Shugie) Clifford.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary F. Ellis Gonter; one daughter, Karline Elder (Bennie) AR, and 3 sons, Karl Gonter JR (Mary L.) CA, Kari Gonter, CA and Bernhardt Gonter III, WA. 15 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren, one brother, Gary Gonter, WA and many other relatives and friends.
He was retired from the Air Force, a first generation commercial pilot, which has extended to three generations of aviators, Gonters' Music City and as a real-estate broker.
Community service was important to Bob. He was a member and supporter of the Rotarian, Lakesmen and worked on the Daffodil Festival, Wrangler, and stock holder of The Puyallup Fair, Elks, and VFW. Bob played a big part in the rebuilding of the American Lake Veteran's Hospital Golf Course and clubhouse. He was an organizer of the Doolittle Raiders reunion, that was held in Tacoma.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Pierce College Foundation in memory of Mary Gonter-Blondin, 1601 - 39 TH Ave. SE, Puyallup, WA 98374-2222
Memorial service at Mt. View Funeral Home in Tacoma, WA. Burial will be at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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