Clare L. Gunnett Obituary
Friends will be received 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tuesday August 5, 2025, at Joldersma-Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Genesee Prairie Cemetery in Oshtemo Township.
Age 92 of Kalamazoo, passed away Friday August 1, 2025. Clare was born March 26, 1933 in Hopkins, Michigan the son of Clarence and Blanche (DeVole) Gunnett. He was a 1952 graduate of Portage High School. On December 21, 1953 Clare married his wife of 30 years, Shirley Ann (Rasmussen) Gunnett. Clare retired from KVP Paper Company after 14 years and served 13 years in the Michigan National Guard retiring as a Master Sergeant.
Clare and Shirley joined Amway in 1962, building a successful Amway business to the level of Triple Diamond. Traveling to 13 countries, including one of his most memorable travel experiences, flying on the Concord. Shirley surprised Clare with his own private airplane, meaning Clare had to learn to fly it. In 1978 they purchased the 20, 000 sq ft Bissel Mansion in East Grand Rapids, entertaining many friends and business associates.
Preceding Clare in death was his wife, parents, 12 brothers, and sisters and his son, Chris Gunnett. Surviving are three children, Holly Brooks, Heidi Witzke, Robin (Janet) Gunnett, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a great-great grand child, and many nieces & nephews.
In 2010, Clare met a wonderful woman named Beatrice St. Clair and lived a happy life with her for the past 15 years. Together they enjoyed their retirement years both in Michigan and Florida.
