Mr. Paul Cunningham

July 20, 1924 - July 02, 2010

Paul Cunningham, 85, of Caledonia, Illinois, died on July 2, 2010 at Northwoods Care Center. He was a WWII Veteran having served in France Switzerland and Germany. He worked in the motor pool and often served as driver to visiting dignitaries. He was honorably discharged in April 1946. He was born on July 20, 1924 and raised in New Castle, Indiana. He was the son of Rufus and Irene (Dinkins) Cunningham. He loved his hometown and returned for “Homecoming” Festivities in the fall as frequently as he could. Following his service discharge, he went to the Fullerton, California area where he worked as a parts manager for a large Chevrolet dealership. Paul was first married to Alice Miles. She preceded him in death. In 1979, he married Phyllis (Luhman) Smith in Las Vegas. She died in February, 2009. He is survived by his step-daughter, Sonjia (Jim) Olstad, of Caledonia; and step-daughter-in-law, Jan Luhman of Belvidere; a brother, Jay (Nelva) Cunningham, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; three nieces, Karen (Joel) Kirby, of Noblesville, Indiana, Lisa Strecker and Melinda Graham, both of Colorado Springs, Colorado; six grandchildren, Rich Lusz, Darin Luhman, Amie Stumpf, Kellie Wirth, Eric Olstad, and Kristin Ciabattari; ten great-grandchildren, Tyler, Kenzi, Sadie, Sydney, Tristan, Emma, Molly, Connor, Abrianna and Zachary, and many friends especially his “buddies” at the VFW and American Legion who made him feel so welcome when they moved here from Arizona in 2000. In addition to his two wives, Paul is preceded in death by his step-daughter, Carol Lusz, step-son, Dick Luhman, and two grandsons, David Lusz and Shane Luhman, and a niece, Pam Hawkins. Paul was active in the Elk’s Club in Fullerton, California serving in many offices including Exalted Ruler. A special thank you to O.S.F. Hospice, especially Julie, Michelle, Karen, Ed and everyone who helped with his care over the last month.

Funeral Information

A Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 12, 2010 in Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Funeral Home. The Rev. Ed Greenfield, chaplain, of O.S.F. Hospice to officiate. Cremation will take place following the service with burial in Belvidere Cemetery. Visitation 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Donations Information

Memorials to O.S.F. Hospice 5666 E. State Street, Rockford, IL 61107.