Gunar was born on August 1, 2003 in Salina, Ks to David and Shana (Kruckenberg) Reed. He lived in Salina until 2008, when his family moved to KC, in order to be closer to Children's Mercy Hospital. He passed away peacefully at home on July 23rd, 2021, with his family and Hospice at his side, and after a life-long courageous fight.
He is survived by his parents, along with his two sisters, Amanda Wiedeman (Dalton Bloch) and Bria Reed of Overland Park, KS. His grandparents Jolene Reed of Salina and Nancy (Richard) Pieschl of Minneapolis, KS. Aunts and Uncles, Mike (Darcy) Reed and Eric (Mandi Garst) of Salina, and Julie Griffin of Ft. Lauderdale, FL., and Tanya (Mark) Rader, of Carlton. His amazing, faithful, and patient dog/companion, Maddie. Along with many special cousins, amazing friends, a “God Family '' and “Brothers”.
He was preceded in death by his grandpa’s, Marlin Kruckenberg, Jim Reed and Bill Persinger, along with his Uncle, James Reed Griffin.
Gunar spent most of his life home-bound and home-schooled due to many health issues. He had many wonderful home-health nurses over the years, Barbara (Grandma) Contreras, Nancy McDonald, Melinda Yetmar, Ellen Maxwell and Heather Hallbeck, who helped make his journey the best and made many memories over the years. He also had homebound teachers who filled his mind and heart with their knowledge and support, Karen Kittel, Kate Sokoloff and, through highschool, Katie Marx who became one of his “best friends” and guided him to one of his biggest goals, to graduate from Shawnee Mission West HS on May 25 2021.
In November of 2003, Gunar was dedicated at his home by Pastor Renee Colaw. The Journey to create, what Gunar called, his God Family began that day with his Godmother, Linda Lawrence. As Gunar got older he announced he had GodBrothers, Rick, Rob and Ryan House (Lindas boys), later to add the GodSisters (Lauren, Desiree, and Gabby), and finishing off with his new GodFather, Eric Lund.
He has been blessed with so many “special opportunities” throughout his short life, such as being chosen to be the representative for the Make-a-Wish foundation with the Chiefs players, being “famous” for his annual Runner’s for Gunar Benefit in Salina, hosted by his BDE (Best Dude Ever), Mark Weiss, to meeting Ed Hearn, Met and Royals player who has since become his brother/great friend. On December 16, 2020 Gunars biggest and most life changing opportunity came in the form of his official signing to join the Kansas State Football team as a (honorary) player. More “Brothers” were added to his life that day such as, Taylor Braet, recruiting coach, Skylar Thomspson, quarterback and Wyatt Hubert, Defensive end/outside linebacker, with many others sharing in the support!
Gunar loved all with everything he had and always found a way to make others feel special and happy. The hearts and lives that he touched are never ending and he will live on forever in our hearts and memories.
A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, August 14th, at the First Covenant Church, 2625 E. Magnolia Rd., Salina, KS 67401. Memorials to be made to the Family of Gunar Reed (Dave or Shana) 9106 W 92nd Terrace, Overland Park, KS 66212.