Gene Cunningham

Harry "Gene" Cunningham, 90, of Wellsburg, died Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Gene was born in Cedar Falls on May 30, 1935, the son of Joseph and Mary (Aelmans) Cunningham. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952, serving for 3 years before enlisting in the United States Air Force. Gene served during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, retiring in 1974 as a Technical Sergeant after a 21-year career. Following his military service, he worked as a Child Support Recovery Officer for the Department of Human Services for the State of Iowa, retiring after nearly 20 years of service.

On November 24, 1956, Gene married Mary Ann Smith at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Waterloo.

Gene stayed involved with the military following his retirement. He was the former Commander of the VFW Post 2271 in Fairfield, a member of the Cedar Falls AMVETS Post 49, and was one of the founding members of the AMVETS Post 49 Riders. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge and Knights of Columbus. In his free time, Gene enjoyed golfing, fishing, bowling, working on his motorcycle, and gardening. Above all, he loved his family and will be greatly missed.

Gene is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary Ann Cunningham of Wellsburg; children, Chris (Roberta) Cunningham of Edgewood, NM, Cathy (David) Nixon of Riverside, Patrick Cunningham (Tammy Berry) of Cleveland, GA, and Jeanna Bradley of Washington; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Jon (Susan) Cunningham and Sue Ayres both of Cedar Falls; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Tony Cunningham; and brother, Michael Cunningham.

Visitation will be from 4-7pm, Monday, December 22, 2025, at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home in Cedar Falls. Funeral mass will be at 10am, Tuesday, December 23, at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Falls with visitation an hour prior. Committal service will follow Mass at Greenwood Cemetery in Cedar Falls with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Saint Patrick Catholic Church . Please visit www.dahlfuneralhome.com to share condolences with the family.