Gunter Mirwaldt

Gunter Mirwaldt, a thinker of pure thoughts, a speaker of brave words, and a doer of generous deeds, has reached his silent place at age, 86, on Wednesday, February 17, 2022 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Born in Schalau, East Prussia, his family bravely fled East Prussia during World War II, when he was 9 years old and landed in Sultau, Germany. Gunter attended school and also discovered his passion for soccer, playing for Sports Ver Ein (SVE), soccer club. He immigrated to Canada at age, 17, in 1952. Maintaining his love of the game, he played for the Germanian & Scottish Soccer Clubs from 1955 to 1965 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He pursued and received his Steam Fitting Apprenticeship in 1954 and began his professional career as a steamfitter for Randall Plumbing & Heating in Winnipeg. In 1968, he moved to the United States and continued his trade in the field at Shambaugh & Sons in Fort Wayne as Foreman. Later, he advanced to Superintendent, Project Manager, Chief Estimator, and finally to Design and Build. Gunter was a member of three affiliates in his career including the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 166. In 2012, Gunter retired from Shambaugh & Sons after 44 years of service and was inducted into the Shambaugh Hall of Fame in 2019. He was very active in youth soccer, where he continued his love of the sport for the next 12 years in the capacity of coach, commissioner, and board member of Pepsi Youth Soccer League. Gunter also was co-founder of Three Rivers Youth Soccer Association (TRYSA). Gunter married Doris Linnemeier, on June 27, 1980, who survives. Also surviving is stepdaughter, Marlis (Jeff) Harper and stepson, Mark (Michelle) Linnemeier; grandchildren, Jimmy (Ashley) Dennis, Benjamin Dennis, Danielle Dennis, Skyler Linnemeier, and Jade Linnemeier; great-grandchildren, Jordan Sprague, Adryan Dennis, Xavier Dennis, Jacob Cartwright, and Amelia Banks; his sister, Hannelore Mahyles; plus, numerous extended family members and longtime friends. Gunter was preceded in death by his parents, Ernst and Emma Mirwaldt, his first wife, Arlene of 15 years; his daughter, Theresa Dennis; and granddaughter, Erika Sprague. He also was preceded in death by his siblings, Gerda Wendorff, Siegfried Mirwaldt, Kuno Mirwaldt, and Irene Dzinkowski, as well as his sister in law, Jackie Mirwaldt. A Celebration of Life for Gunter, whose devotion and generosity enriched the lives of many he touched with his wisdom and life affirming ways will be 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 6750 Covington Road, Fort Wayne with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 28, 2022 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission.