Chris Gunlund Jr.

Chris is preceded in death by his parents, Carl & Elaine; brother Rodney; late wife Joyce; and his grandson Jaxon Curiel. He is survived by his wife, Janice; siblings Diana Jorn (Larry), Cecil (Lynette), and sister-in-law Luci Gunlund; children, Melissa Curiel (Greg), Denise Ruiz (Steven), Shannon Hunt (Brian), Mike McBride (Melody), and Randy McBride (Stephanie). He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Cooper, Hailee, Gracie, Christian, Kaleb, Joshua, Ethan, Jeremy and Noah.

Chris was born on October 1, 1950, and spent his entire life in the Caruthers and Easton communities of Fresno County, California. Born into a family of farmers, Chris worked his entire life in the raisin industry. His career spanned six decades and was highlighted by his role representing the Raisin Administrative Committee with trips around the world, collaboration with industry professionals both locally and internationally, and good old fashioned hard work including answering late night knocks on the door to tend to the needs of the dehydrator and securing the yearly bank loan for the harvest season.

Although a farmer by trade, Chris’ true passion was his family. His all encompassing involvement with his daughters found him wearing Native American attire while participating in Indian Guides and playing shuttle driver to various extracurricular activities that included dance, softball, and cheerleading. Chris spent several years as the President of the American Union Elementary School Board, which gave him the opportunity to hand both Denise and Melissa their 8th grade diplomas.

Chris openly and proudly enjoyed the riches that his three daughters were able to provide for him by filling up his home with grandkids on many many occasions. Chris spoiled his grandbabies with so many joyous life experiences. Whether it was golf cart races around the Ranch, assisting in the ambush of Grammie with nerf toys, co-piloting rides at Disneyland, doing cannonballs off the diving board, or surprise appearances in Maui, Grandpa humbly accepted his position of “all time favorite” in the family line- up.

After losing Joyce unexpectedly over 20 years ago, Chris found himself navigating the role of single dad to three dynamic, strong, and active young women. When Janice came into his life, her vibrant and loving presence filled the vacuum in his heart that he didn’t know existed. Chris often bragged about the way Jan treated his daughters; without a heavy hand, and with big hugs and tenderhearted guidance. Married for 18 years, their union brought them to the 4 corners of the world by planes, trains, automobiles, and their “home away from home” RV. Creating new friendships everywhere they went, and cultivating those friendships with many happy returns, they built life-long memories and shared stories we will all remember forever.

Chris and Janice’s relationship was built on love, respect, and most importantly, friendship. Chris was her best friend, the one she laughed with daily and enjoyed shopping trips as if he was her “best girl friend.” Early in their relationship, Janice relished many motorcycle rides with Chris on his Harley Davidson. In recent years, they traded two wheels in for six, and toured the country enjoying their time together.

Chris left us way too soon and created a void that can never be filled. Our hearts are shattered due to his untimely death. His wife, children, grandchildren and numerous friends will forever miss being in his presence and seeing the sheepish grin on his face when delivering his silly “dad jokes.”

Visitation will be held at Lisle’s Funeral Home on Friday, December 27, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life to pay tribute to our beloved Chris will take place at People’s Church, G.L. Johnson Chapel on Monday, December 30th at 10:00 am. Graveside service will take place at Fresno Memorial Gardens. Immediately following, a luncheon reception will be held at the C.P.D.E.S Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Chris’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization near and dear to his heart.

http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/ChrisGunlundsMemory