Our beloved mother, Dr. Lana Klune Hunter passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018. Lana was preceded in death by parents Eddie W. Klune, and Josephine Mendicello Klune Betts. She is survived by daughters, Cheryl (husband: Steve) and Julie (former husband Pascal Sauton); son, Kyle (wife: Jenn); sister, Susanne Klune Baker (husband: Coye); brother, Eddie Klune (wife: Jody); grandchildren Morgan, Kyle, Molly Hunter and Guillaume Sauton; along with nieces Allison Campbell and Kaela Klune, nephews Chad Campbell and Brad Klune, as well as several extended family members and friends.
Lana earned her Doctorate in Education; her passion for empowering young people was prominent in her life. A lifelong educator, Lana worked in many facets of education - initially starting as a classroom teacher, and eventually rising through the ranks to become a Principal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Assistant Superintendent and University Professor. In her final days, Lana taught at Colorado State University – Pueblo, and she loved every minute she spent teaching and helping people learn.
Above all, Lana lived her life in service of others. Whether it was championing her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews or her students, Lana’s foremost commitment was ensuring that people fulfilled their highest potential.
Lana loved exploring other cultures and fully respected, embraced and celebrated all people’s traditions and cultures.
That being the case, naturally, Lana also loved to travel. She adventurously traveled solo to India on spiritual quests, as well as traveling extensively in Europe and living in London for a summer with her kids. She regularly traveled to New York City and Hawaii as well as regular trips to the beaches of Southern California, and Portland, Oregon where she shared time with her children and grandchildren.
A groundbreaker who was ahead of her time, Lana studied and taught yoga starting in the late 1960’s. She was fascinated by spiritual traditions from different cultures around the world, and she studied them extensively. Lana did more than studied spirituality; she practiced it. She was a lifelong meditator who graciously passed along spiritual pearls of wisdom to people in their hours of need.
In addition to her passion for education, championing others, travel and spirituality, two of Lana’s other favorite ways to contribute to others were through the art of fine cooking and entertaining. She trained herself in classical French cooking and yet always knew recipes from the latest Food Network chefs as well. Feeding and hosting friends and family members was one of Lana’s favorite ways to express her love and make everyone feel important and included.
Although she was born in Pueblo and returned there in later life to assist in the care of her mother, Josephine, Lana also lived in Estes Park, Colorado, and in Montana for many years as well.
Lana loved architecture, and she designed and built three homes as well as a new school in Estes Park, CO.
Services will be 10 a.m., Thursday, November 29, 2018 at Imperial Funeral Home Chapel. Followed by reception at the Pueblo Country Club.
For those of you who would like to share photos and/or memories, please email them to: [email protected]
Memorial contributions can be made in Lana's name to:
CSU-Pueblo Foundation
Dr. Lana Hunter Memorial Scholarship
2200 Bonforte Blvd
Pueblo, CO 81001-4901
