Louise Katner Gunnell

Louise F. Gunnell

Louise Frances Leonard Katner Gunnell died July 26, 2011, at Legacy House Assisted Living Center in Logan. Her 91 years represent a productive, faithful life which brought joy to those around her.

Born on June 8, 1920, in Espanola, New Mexico, she was the second child of Hiram Danforth Leonard and Martha (Mattie) Wallace Leonard. In 1931, Louise and her family moved to Joplin, Missouri, where she graduated from Joplin High School at 16 years old. Upon graduation she worked as an assistant bookkeeper for her uncles in their meat packing business. Louise married Charles Robert Katner on July 12, 1941, in Webb City, Missouri. Their vows were later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple.

Louise worked as administrative assistant to the Superintendent of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Miami, Oklahoma from 1957 to 1980. Initially, she also did the accounts payable for the business she and Robert purchased in Miami. Through the years, she and Robert worked together to expand their business and build their own home there. They enjoyed almost 40 years together until Robert died in April of 1981.

Louise moved to Logan, Utah, in the summer of 1981, to be closer to her family. This move opened a new chapter of her life as she made new friends, spent time with family, and pursued her interests. Louise was known for her musical and artistic talents, as well as her quick sense of humor. She played the piano and organ and sang in many choirs. In Logan she enjoyed singing in the Towne Singers with many wonderful people. Louise studied china painting in Oklahoma and continued to develop her skill as a china painter after moving to Logan. She painted many lovely pieces for family and friends and created beautiful china sets for her granddaughters. Louise always had a generous heart and loved to give to those around her in so many ways.

In 1987, Louise married Don Gunnell and enjoyed their common love of music and Church activity. They served in the Texas Dallas Mission where as secretary to the Mission President, she was valued for her secretarial and organizational skills. After Don’s death in 1997, she continued to be very active and involved with family, friends, and Church.

Louise was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. During the summers when she was 16 and 17 in Joplin, Missouri, she was called as a part-time missionary and served with the full-time missionaries during school vacations. Later, she served in many Church callings; such as, Relief Society President, Counselor, Primary and Relief Society pianist, and many others. She was also very grateful for the opportunity to serve as an officiator in the Logan LDS Temple.

As Louise’s health began to decline, she appreciated the many loving, competent people who helped care for her at Legacy House. While there she continued to make new friends who enriched her life and brought her joy.

Louise is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Myra and Hal Lynch of Logan; son, Charles Robert Katner Jr. of Scottsdale, Arizona; sister, Marjory Millerberg of St. George, Utah; grandchildren, Megan (Dan) Mertel, Dylan Lynch, and Erin (James) Weed; great-grandchildren, Trevor, Braden, Kaden, Cole, Marilyn; and nieces and nephews.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Lawrence; and sister, Lois Ann.

Funeral services will be held at noon, Saturday, July 30, 2011, in the Logan Central Stake Center, 1255 N. 600 E. in Logan, with Bishop Merrill Haderlie of the Logan 43rd Ward conducting. Friends may call from 6:00 to 7:30 pm on Friday, July 29th at the Allen Mortuary of North Logan, 420 E. 1800 N., North Logan, Utah and 10:30 to 11:30 am at the Church on Saturday, July 30th. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net .