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Rev. Mr. Richard Arthur "Dick"
Von Gunten
Sep 26, 1935 — Jul 27, 2026
Camdenton
Rev. Mr. Richard Arthur “Dick” Von Gunten, son of Lloyd and Grace (Drowatzky) Von Gunten, was born on September 26, 1935, in Sparta, Wisconsin. He departed this life on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the age of 90 years, 10 months, and 1 day.
On November 16, 1957, Richard was united in marriage to Nancy May Pavlik. Together they shared a loving marriage of nearly 69 years and were blessed with three children.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Paul Von Gunten; his sister, Dolly; and his son-in-law, Dr. Franz Vanderpool.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy; daughter, Denise Clapper and husband Tim, of Linn Creek, Missouri; sons, Larry Von Gunten and wife Lori, of Jefferson City, Missouri, and David Von Gunten and wife Laury, of Camdenton, Missouri; grandchildren Adam, William, Samuel, and Alex Vanderpool, and Jacob and Jessica Von Gunten; great-grandson Carson Von Gunten; siblings Michael Von Gunten, Susan Affayroux, Laurie Warrender, and Jeff Von Gunten; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.
Richard was baptized into the Catholic Church as an infant and remained steadfast in his faith throughout his life. A devoted member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, he faithfully served the parish for many years as a Deacon. His ministry extended well beyond the walls of the church, as he dedicated himself to sharing the Gospel through service, compassion, and leadership in the community.
Growing up in Sparta, Wisconsin, Richard excelled in baseball and competed as a boxer with the Golden Gloves. At just 17 years old, he entered the United States Army and proudly served his country for more than 22 years, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. During his distinguished military career, he was stationed in Korea, Greenland, Japan, and Vietnam. He was deeply proud of his service and the lifelong friendships and experiences it brought.
In 1976, Richard and his family made their home in the Camdenton area. He began a career with Phillips & Company, where he helped countless contractors build homes throughout the Lake of the Ozarks region. He was an member of the Camdenton Rotary Club and the Knights of Columbus, and he also spent time serving on the board of directors of Lake Valley Golf Club. A devoted golfer, Richard treasured the many rounds he shared with close friends.
Richard was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his favorite team. He also generously gave his time to Camdenton Laker Football, spending many Friday nights on the sidelines as a member of the chain crew.
Richard and Nancy shared a love of travel, spending countless adventures exploring the country in their RV and enjoying winters in Texas with family and friends. He found great joy in fishing, boating, and waterfowl hunting, and he especially cherished the family's annual trips to White Swan Cottages in Waupaca, Wisconsin, where generations created lasting memories together.
Above all, Richard was a man of unwavering faith, service, and determination. He was known as someone who always found a way to "make it happen," a mindset he lovingly passed on to his children and grandchildren. His quiet strength, generous spirit, and steadfast devotion to God, family, country, and community will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Richard's legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through his ministry, military service, friendships, and the enduring love of his family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. noon, Monday, August 3, 2026 in St. Anthony Catholic Church, Camdenton, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m., until time of Mass.
Memorial donations may be made to the St. Anthony Catholic Church Building Fund and may left at the church or mailed to Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, 15 Clint Avenue, Camdenton, Missouri 65020.
Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Camdenton, Missouri
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