John Robert Van Gundy

72, a resident of the City of Elephant Butte, died Sunday, September 22, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ginger Van Gundy of the City of Elephant Butte, NM; children, Kathy Van Gundy, Robert Van Gundy, Barbara Van Gundy and partner, Eloy Sandoval, and Laura Struck and partner, Manuel Padilla; grandchildren, Nichole Van Gundy and Dakota Van Gundy, Shondra Nelson and partner, Alex Nolte, Tamara Struck, and Alec Struck; three great-grandchildren, Zane Quesada, Christian Nolte, and Xavier Van Gundy; brother, Frank Van Gundy and wife, Karla; sister, Helen Ferrel and husband, Donald; and numerous other relatives and friends. John was preceded in death by two children, Myra Van Gundy and Edwin Van Gundy; and his parents, Betty and Gerald Van Gundy. He was born in 1940 in Albuquerque and graduated from Albuquerque High, Class of 1958, before entering the United States Navy where he proudly served. John then attended the University of New Mexico where he received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education. He taught high school, middle school and college at Rio Grande High School, Harrison Middle School, and Albuquerque High School. John was a Fire Department Volunteer and also served two terms as a City Counselor in the City of Elephant Butte. He also served on the Planning Board for Sierra County. John was a member of DeMolay and a Master for a term and a half in Temple Lodge #6, A.M. & F.M. John loved to do woodwork. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held in Elephant Butte, NM to be announced at a later date. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice, in John's name.