Robert Cunningham

Robert G. Cunningham, 82, Bismarck, died March 5, 2007, at Medcenter One Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am Saturday at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Bismarck, with Rev. Thomas Kramer officiating. Burial will be held in St. Mary's Cemetery, Bismarck. A rosary and wake will be held at 7:00 pm Friday at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck. There will be no visitation, as cremation has taken place. Robert was born on October 28, 1924, at LaMoure, ND, the son of George and Myrtle Larson Cunningham of Grand Rapids, ND. He grew to manhood on the family farm along the banks of the James River east of Grand Rapids. He had a life-long love for the farm. After graduating from LaMoure High School in 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1946 at Fort Snelling, after which he returned to the family farm. In 1947, he moved with is family to Washburn where he met and married Marilyn Wahl. They moved to Minneapolis while Robert attended school. Together they began their life living in small North Dakota towns while Robert was employed as an Agent/Telegrapher for the Northern Pacific Railroad, which brought them to Driscoll in 1959. In 1969 he was appointed Postmaster at Driscoll, ND, where he served until in retirement in September of 1990. In 1997 they moved to Bismarck to make their home. While living in Driscoll, Robert was active in community affairs. He served as correspondent for the Order of Railroad Telegrapher's Magazine for several years and was elected vice-president and president of the ND Chapter of the National Association of Postmasters. In addition, he was very active in the Driscoll Men's Club where he served as secretary for many years was elected vice-president and president. He was a member of the Amvets, American Legion, and Elks Lodge 1199. Robert had a wonderful gift for entertaining others with his many stories and jokes. Whenever he was with company, laughter filled the room. He enjoyed visiting his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved sending them valentines and small gifts. In 1999 he wrote a book, chronicling his family history and presented a copy to each of is children and grandchildren, who greatly appreciated the time and effort he spent leaving them with a history of the Cunningham family. He also authored the book, "Pearls of the Prairie, Life in Small Dakota Towns", which was published in 2002. Robert is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marilyn, Bismarck; two sons, Robert Gregory Keney, Bismarck, and George W. Joni, Aliso Veijo, CA; three daughters, Stephanie Kelly Aguirre, Jacksonville, OR, Susan Jim Edwards, Aurora, CO, and Judy Ron Kalainov, Steele, ND; one brother, Douglas Elaine Cunningham of Apex, NC; two sisters-in-law, Juleen Cunningham of Bismarck, ND, and Kay Cunningham of Houston, TX; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Genevieve Richards; and two brothers, Philip and David. Robert will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Memorial donations may be made to St. Bernard Mission School in Ft. Yates, or God's Child Project in Bismarck.

Robert Cunningham

October 28, 1924 - March 5, 2007