John Cunningham

John Michael Cunningham age 86 of Eau Claire passed away at Heritage Court Memory Care on Sunday September 29, 2024.

John was born on November 18, 1937 to Catherine (Cunningham) Cunningham and Michael Cunningham in Chicago, Il. He grew up on Chicago's north side. He attended Our Lady of Mercy grammar school, Loyola Academy High School, DePaul University for his bachelor's degree and Loyola University for his Master's Degree in Social Work.

John married his wife of 64 years, Mona Heller in February, 1960. Together they had 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

While at DePaul he also joined the U.S. Navy Reserves serving on submarines for 4 years. After graduation he spent 2 years active duty also on submarines and a submarine tender. He was very proud of his time in the Navy. After grad school his first job as a social worker was for the State of Illinois and then South Chicago Community Hospital.

As a child his parents spent many years vacationing in Wisconsin. John fell in love with the north woods so when he was offered a job in Eau Claire, WI he jumped on it. He worked for the Eau Claire Academy for 5 years and then at Sacred Heart Hospital where he retired after 25 years. 

He was so proud of his 100% Irish heritage. In 1977 he bought a 20 acre hobby farm in Cleghorn, WI where he raised sheep for 10 years much like his ancestors. He loved fishing, hunting and in later years he took up golf. Before his illness set in he and Mona did a lot of traveling and had some wonderful vacations. Many trips to Ireland.

He is preceded in death by his parents, aunt, uncle and brother-in-law Bill Kelly. He is survived by his wife, Mona, children Patrick, James,  Noreen (John Rendon), Peter (Kim Brun). grandchildren Lindsay Rendon, Alicia Rendon, Joelle Nayflish (Leo), Luke Cunningham, Nick DeNucci (Cassie), Taylor Cunningham. Great-grandchildren Gabe, Ayla, Jack, Royce, Nori, Madison, Emma, Evan, Liam, Mila, and Sophia.

The family is deeply grateful for the kind and loving care he received at Heritage Court Memory Care. Also heartfelt thanks to the staff of St. Croix Hospice who made his journey easier.

Donations may be made to Feed My People Food Bank or Charity of your choice.

John truly loved his faith and has been a member of the Newman Parish since 1971. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 on  November 9, 2024 at the Newman Parish on campus,110 Garfield Ave, Eau Claire, WI. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 prior to the service.

Military Honors will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery immediately following the church service. Fr. Dan Oudenhoven will be officiating mass. Hulke Funeral Home is assisting with all the funeral arrangements.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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