Mr. Dwight S. Gunter, 64, Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 10:22 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019, at his home. This followed a valiant battle with cancer since 2012.

On Nov. 16, 1954, Dwight Steven Gunter was born in Cass County to Virgil and Beverly Jeanne Raye Gunter. Growing up he shared his childhood with two brothers David and Dana. In 1970 he graduated from Caston High School at the age of 17.

With a strong work ethic, great drive and a raw skill set of carpentry, he embarked on his initial home construction project building his home near Grass Creek. It was completed by the time he was 18. He continued to strip down to the rafters and create a custom rebuild each of the four other houses his family has made their home. Over the years his skills evolved from union carpenter to master craftsman being attentive to the most minute detail.

Near Lake Tahoe, Calif. Dwight and Ruth Ann Richard were married on June 15, 1999. They have shared 20 years of life’s adventures. A dynamic team, the Gunters collaborated on many projects over the years. Most recently the former Co-op Mill became their home along with apartments for rent to others. Their first commercial endeavor was the transformation of the former Evergreen to the eclectic Evergreen Eatery.

A visionary, he was able to employ his wisdom and imagination to projects he chose to challenge the conquer. He was an engineering marvel and architectural mastermind with no degree. He once moved a stud eclipsing

1000 lbs by utilizing the principles of physics. With his vision and foresight, he has led the way to restore and re-purpose buildings of dis-repair into aesthetic functional beauties that enhance Rochester’s downtown allowing our community and our visitors to enjoy. He was presently working on the former “Dugout,” creating a pub with beer garden.

To relax, Dwight and Ruth enjoyed many adventures to their favorite destination of America’s southwest. It was here that they embraced nature, observed wildlife, and hiked the trails of the National Parks. He was intrigued by the various species of trees noting specific characteristics and birds adaptations. With the eye of an artist, he could weld his name in cursive. He also created unique ice sculptures with his saw-zaw for fun.

Paramount in his life was his family. As a dad, Dwight taught his children to be self-reliant. He made time for them whether it was helping them with an engine problem in their cars, he troubleshot the problem and had them assist him with the repair so if the problem re-occurred they could be self-sufficient. He encouraged creativity by example and divergent thinking of his family and close friends. Dwight lived by the mantra: “If a man made it; Man can change it.”

Left to cherish Dwight’s memory are his wife, Ruth, a daughter, Kylise Muse and husband Mike of Indianapolis, two sons, Cameren Gunter of Rochester, Thomas Landis and wife Rachel of Bloomington; two grandsons, Owen James Landis, Arlo True Landis; two brothers, David Gunter and wife Kathy of Twelve Mile, Dana Gunter and wife Liz of Bremen and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Dwight in death are his parents Virgil and Beverly Jeanne Gunter and brother Dwayne Gunter at age 4.