C. David Guenther

Mr. C. David Guenther, 81, of Galesburg passed away peacefully Friday, October 1, 2021 at his home. He was born in Galesburg, to Margaret E. Hausmann and Harold L. Guenther on October 28th, 1939. When he was 6, Margaret married Marcel Babbitt, and both raised him together.

Dave was a graduate of Galesburg High School Class of 1957.  He married Carolyn Sue Sturgeon in 1964 and had 2 sons, David 1969, and John 1972.  Following high school, he enlisted in the US Navy and traveled the globe.  After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he went to work for Pittsburg Plate Glass and Butler Manufacturing.  Dave then earned a Fire Science Technology degree from Carl Sandburg College and was a Galesburg Fire Fighter from 1962-71.  He moved on to be Vice President of Purchasing at Dick Blick Arts where he again traveled the world.  In 1987 he purchased Wilson Paper Company from his stepfather, Marcel Babbitt. He later married Janet A. Radar-Faull on April 26, 1991. David finally retired in 2011 after the sudden passing of his wife, Jan, of 20 years. 

Dave was extremely active in the Galesburg community and served as a Lions Club member since 1980, President of the Orpheum Theater Original Renovation Management Board, Orpheum 2nd Team Board, Lake Bracken County Club Board, YMCA Board, Life Line Board, as well as others.  In 1998 he was voted to the Galesburg Fire & Police commission and took over as Chairman in 2008 until he retired in 2018.

The first person to lend a hand to his friends, neighbors, and community was Dave Guenther.  He knew a lot about many things, and damn sure to let you know it too.  His larger-than-life personality could be off-putting to some, but his friends would simply say with a smile, “That’s just Corky.”  His partner for the past 10 years, Linda, was the only person that could, and would, put him in his place.  After 71 years Dave Guenther finally met his match.  He loved golf, working with his hands, being a part of the community, but most importantly his family and friends. 

Dave is survived by his partner, Linda Groves; son John (Tammy) of Carlisle, IA; grandsons Nathan and Kale Guenther; stepsons, Scott (Tresha) Faull of Gilson, Illinois and Adam Faull of Galesburg; step-grandchildren, Haley (Matt) Kaser; Tyler Faull; Caleb (Rosie) Faull; Allison Faull; Harley Faull; and 4 great grandchildren. Dave is preceded in death by son David, his parent, and wife Jan. 

Visitation will be 10:00-Noon, Saturday October 9, 2021, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Funeral Services will follow at Noon at the chapel with Chaplain Glenn Bocox officiating.  Burial will be in Knoxville Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials may be made to Galesburg Community Foundation. Online condolences may be made to www.h-p-w.com

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