Obituary: Walter James Gully

1913 ~ 2004

Walter James Gully, age 90, much beloved father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather, died in his sleep on March 23, 2004 in Salt Lake City of causes incident to age.

He was born October 1, 1913 to Joseph Walter Gully and Pearl Wilson Gully in Willow Lake, S.D. He married Helen Harriet Mondloch on August 7, 1939 in Henry, S.D. They eventually settled in Salt Lake City, where they raised a daughter and four sons. Helen preceded him in death on December 16, 1998.

Walter graduated from Northern State Teachers College in South Dakota, and was a high school teacher, coach and principal. He worked for the National Weather Service for 32 years as a weather observer and later as its western states personnel director.

After his retirement, Walter creatively designed and built his mountain retreat, which has been enjoyed for years by his family and friends. For the last seven years, Walt was a regular at table #1 at the Mt. Olympus Senior Center.

Walt loved the Utah Jazz, reading, watching the news, hunting and fishing and the great outdoors. He also enjoyed stimulating ideas and favorite videos, but most of all, his family. He had a compassionate heart and was always a peace-maker.

He is survived by his sister Mary Gully Macak of Watertown, S.D., his daughter Nana Gully Penrose, twin sons Monty and William (Tina) Gully, James (Janice) Gully, Kevin (Pamella) Gully, 14 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife and his brothers Edward, Frank and Robert Gully.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 27 at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church. 1375 East Spring Lane (5000 South) Friends may call one hour earlier. Committal will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 4th Avenue and T Street. Funeral Directors, Neil O'Donnell and Sons.

The family expresses its gratitude for the compassionate care Walter received at CareSource Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of your choice.