Carollee G. Gunnell

Carollee Grace Gunnell (Crane), age 94, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025 in Cedar Springs, Michigan. She was born in 1931 to Mose S. Crane and Grace M. Hurley in Highland Park, Michigan, later moving to a ‘then’ rural farm in Cedar Springs, Michigan in 1942. She graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 1948, later attending Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education before embarking on her career in teaching.

She married V. Fred Gunnell in 1950, a loving relationship that spanned over 74 years until her death. Together, they lovingly raised two children, Gregg and Kathleen (Katie).

Carollee’s life was energized by her passion for service to God, family, community, and developing and sharing knowledge.

Her love for teaching was underpinned by her enthusiasm for learning that she imparted to her students in over 28 years of service in the Northview, Sparta, and Hancock Michigan public school systems, impacting countless students. She retired from teaching in 1989 returning to Cedar Springs to the farm where she grew up.

Her lifelong quest for learning fostered innumerous hobbies including violin, dulcimer, organ, piano, choir, quilting, genealogy, history, and baking which she often shared with those around her.  Her signature ‘sugar cookies’ were legendary…..if lucky enough to get one, you were indeed special!

Carollee’s service to her community and local church was exemplary. In whatever community she resided she worked tirelessly to help others and help-out. She played instrumental administrative and leadership roles in her local church, Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK), Rotary, Cedar Springs Historical Museum, United Methodist Women (UMW), among others.

Carollee had a deep appreciation for nature and was grateful for all God’s creation! She cherished time with family; camping, fishing, bird watching, agate and copper hunting, and mushrooming among them. Morelling was an annual family challenge! Along with her husband Fred, they restored a wilderness lake to foster wildlife development in the Central Upper Peninsula which the family continues to enjoy! Copious hours were spent by Carollee at ‘The Camp’ playing Yahtzee, Racko, and Hearts with her grandsons.  Surely, they will tell you she ‘never’ let them win easily!

In Carollee’s later life, as for many, health matters made activities more difficult, however, she continued living her legacy by helping others best she could while remaining grateful for all her blessings.

Hers was a life well lived, filled with grace, and she will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Carollee is survived by her devoted husband of 74 years, V. Frederick Gunnell; daughter, Kathleen G. Webber (Gunnell); Son-in-Law, Daniel H. Webber; grandson’s Corey A. Webber (Maureen), Coleton D. Webber (Stephanie); great-granddaughter, Cassandra Carollee Webber. She is also survived by her two brothers, Dr. David D. Crane, 90 of Wichita, Kansas, and Dr. James D. Crane, 87 of Morgan Hills, California; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

Carollee was preceded in death by her parents, Mose and Grace Crane and her son Dr. Gregg F. Gunnell.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, February 22 with visitation starting an hour prior at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, 140 S Main Street, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

A luncheon will be served immediately following the service.

Interment at 1:30 pm at Solon Township Cemetery, 2383 18 Mile Road NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made by check to the Cedar Springs Historical Museum, 60 Cedar St., Cedar Springs, MI 49319   www.cedarspringsmuseum.org

Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, MI.