Section: 323A Lot: 87 Grave: 3

Obituary

On January 18, 2022, Genny Lunning passed away peacefully at the age of 94, after a brief illness.
Genny was born in Burlington, Iowa on December 6, 1927, to George A. and Gertrude (Scott) Elliott. Salutatorian of her New London, Iowa high school class, Genny, completed two years of study at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO, and obtained her B.S. Degree in speech therapy at the University of Iowa.
In Elliott Chapel, on August 21, 1949, in New London, Iowa, Genny married Al Lunning, a handsome WWII Naval Pilot. They enjoyed 66 wonderful years together, raising six children: Scarlett of Des Moines, IA, Marianne (Tom Darnall) of Kansas City, MO, Julie (Jerry Anderson) and Kate (Randy McKasson) both of Burlington, IA, Elliott (Rusty) Lunning (Robin) of Charlotte, NC, and Laurie (David Lind) of Loch Lloyd, MO.
Genny was Burlington’s first speech therapist. Her large family’s commitment to community, and Genny’s strong faith in God, led her to serve in many ways. A dedicated 70-year member of PEO, she held every office possible, believing strongly in the importance of educating women nationally and internationally. She was past president of Messiah Lutheran Church’s Women’s Council, member and leader of Messiah’s Mary/Elizabeth Circle, past president of Friends of Southeast Iowa Symphony, past president of Electa Circle of King’s Daughters & Sons, a Girl Scout Leader, Gamma Phi Beta Social Sorority, and a member of Burlington Civic Music.
Work, volunteering, and child-raising didn’t fully describe the multi-faceted woman she was—she still liked to have fun, no matter what her role. An avid bridge player, she participated in several bridge clubs and taught her grandchildren that Bridge can be FUN! Not wanting Al to be the only one enjoying the beauty of golf courses, she became an avid golfer, starting in her late forties and playing well into her eighties. A devoted Hawkeye fan, she rarely missed the broadcast of a football or basketball game.
Genny was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Al, and her brothers, G.A. Elliott, and Scott Elliott. Surviving Genny is a large clan including her six children (listed above), thirteen grandchildren: Brandon Porter (Janie), Marshall Porter (Emily), Amanda Darnall, Logan Porter (Katie), Elizabeth (Matthew Bessine), Laura (Brad Anderson), Kahri (Adam Plein), Brock Anderson, Kristina Lind, Chase Lunning, Benton Lunning, Genevieve Lind, Spencer Lind, and 15 great-grandchildren. Others left to cherish her memory are sister, Roberta Peterson; sister-in-law, Nella Elliott (Mt. Pleasant); brother-in-law, John Thompson (Boulder, CO) ; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Good neighbors and dear friends were just a few of the blessings Genny enjoyed during her long life. The last month and a-half of her life was also blessed by amazing caregivers from Mayo Hospital St. Mary’s Campus, The Morning Sun Care Center, and Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center and Hospice House. The family would like to thank all those who made Mom’s later years so joy-filled!
A visitation with the family is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2411 West Avenue, Burlington, Saturday, 1/22/22, followed by funeral service (Messiah) at 2:30 p.m., and burial at Aspen Grove Cemetery. Due to the rising health concerns, the family has requested that everyone wear masks.
Memorial donation suggestions: Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Hospice House, 1306 Washington Road, West Burlington, 52655; Hope Haven, 828 North 7th, Burlington, IA 52601, and Messiah Lutheran Church.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com