Gilbert Edwin Cunningham Jr

Gilbert Edwin Cunningham Jr. passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on January 2, 2026, in College Place after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's. Gilbert was born on December 26, 1942, in Dayton, Washington. His grandparents, Harry and Mary Cunningham, helped watch him while his dad, Gilbert Edwin Cunningham Sr., had joined the Navy and his mother, Lucille Olive Dietz Cunningham, worked in Walla Walla. After World War II, the family moved to Walla Walla.

Gilbert attended local schools and graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1961. Gilbert married Elaine Rose Minzghor on June 20, 1966. They had four children: Brian, Brenda, Cheryl, and Laura. Gilbert worked various jobs in the area, including canneries, Garret Freight Lines, Gardner's Department Store, Iowa Beef, Bon Marche, American Cleaning Service, Olympic National Park headquarters, and the Walla Walla School District, finally retiring from Blue Ridge Elementary after several years there. Gilbert enjoyed going fishing and playing card and board games. He enjoyed spending time with his numerous grandchildren, who kept him busy in his spare time.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and daughter, Brend Cunningham.

Gilbert and Elaine are proud members of the LDS church here in Walla Walla and were sealed together in the Portland Temple.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10:30 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1821 S 2nd Ave in Walla Walla.

Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.