Gary Thomas Trunnell (1937-2019)

TRUNNELL, HILLEMAN

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:12

Obituary from Estes Park News, Estes Park, Colorado.

Gary Thomas Trunnell died in Estes Park, CO on March 20, 2019 after a short bout with glioblastoma. He was born May 14, 1937 Cedar Falls, IA to Donald and Willeibelle Trunnell. He graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1955 and the University of Northern Iowa in 1959. There he met his future wife, Janet Hilleman. They married on June 6, 1959 in Marshalltown, IA. They moved to Ames, IA where Gary taught and coached at Welch Junior High through the 60s and 70s. During that time he also earned a Master's degree at Drake University. He worked in the Ames School District for 22 years as an assistant principal at both Welch & Central Junior High until 1980. Jan and Gary's three children, Ann, Tim, and Sara, were all born and raised in Ames.

Gary began his second life in 1980, working as a medical administrator at McFarland Clinic in Ames and later at Colorado Springs Medical Center after moving to Monument, CO in 1985.

Gary went "back to school" in 2000, working as a driver training instructor, an educational assistant, and later a school bus driver in Monument. In 2005 after 20 years in Monument, he and Jan moved to Estes Park, CO to begin their third life. Gary continued to drive the school bus for Estes Park School District until he turned 80 in 2017 and retired.

Throughout his life Gary was known for his kindness to all, utmost integrity; and his ability to see and expect the best from people. He had a love for all children, especially his grandchildren Kate, Ross, Hanna, Ellie, Sophie, and Lucy. He attended every play, concert, game, and school event to support and encourage them to "Be a leader!" With a ready smile and a twinkle in his eye he lead a life of great impact on his family, friends, schools, churches, and communities.

The family is grateful for the outstanding care he received at Estes Park Health, the Medical Center of the Rockies and Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital. Donations in Gary's name may be made to Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church or St. Jude's Children’s Hospital all in the care of Allnutt Funeral Service 1302 Graves Ave, Estes Park, CO, 80517.

A memorial service will be held at Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 13 at 1:00 p.m. A memorial picnic at Stanley Park on June 29, 2019. Details will be posted on www.allnuttestespark.com