Michael Warren Gunter, 70

Michael Warren Gunter, 70, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at his home in Sagle, Idaho.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 7, 2022, at North Summit Church in Sandpoint.

Mike was born on September 28, 1951, in Sandpoint, Idaho, to Harley and Lois Gunter. He spent his childhood on the family farm milking a few cows and weeding a few rows in the garden before meeting his buddies at Turnbull field for baseball whenever he could. He graduated from Sandpoint High School in the Class of 1969, where he excelled in track and basketball. He then attended the University of Idaho and graduated with his degree in marketing and quickly got a job with Kmart in the management program in Portland, Oregon.

Mike married Karen Meredith on September 15, 1973 in Lewiston, Idaho. After a short honeymoon to Sandpoint at the Farmin Cabin in Bottle Bay, they packed up their lives and headed to Portland only to be relocated nine months later to Bellingham, Washington, where they welcomed their son, Clint, in 1975. Three months later they were transferred again to Boise, Idaho. That only lasted for four months and Mike and Karen made the decision to head home to Sagle to escape big corporate life. It was then that he went to work with his uncle Bob Farmin as the appliance manager at Sandpoint Furniture. His nights and weekends were spent building their house in Sagle while welcoming their daughter, Kari, in 1978 before moving into their forever home just two weeks later.

Mike purchased Sandpoint Furniture in 1984 with partners Dwight Sheffler and Dale Jeffres. Mike handled the marketing and was well known as the “voice on the radio.”  As the business outgrew its downtown location, Mike and his partners built a new building in Ponderay in order to grow the business into what it is today, where six of their children are running the “Ponderay Design Center.” Now the beginnings of Sandpoint Furniture and Carpet One, turned Ponderay Design Center, comprise six businesses supporting another generation. During his 40-plus years with Sandpoint Furniture, his wife Karen worked alongside him. He served many years on the board of directors for the Pacific Furniture Dealers where they made lifelong friends. He also lended his voice to multiple community benefits and Bulldog basketball games. He was always happy to offer his marketing experience and well known voice to assist many needs in our community ranging from cancer benefits to youth activities. Mike just retired January 1 of this year as he has always found joy in his work and helping others.

Working the family farm with his dad, brother, and cousins, heading out on trail rides into the wilderness, and growing his business were among his passions in life. He loved the outdoors and was the most happy working the cattle on the Woods Ranch. Many nights were spent around the campfire listening to Mike play his guitar and sing old cowboy songs and even some songs that elicited a “Yippee Ki-Yay” and others that made the teenaged girls cry.

Mike served as past President of the Pacific Furniture Dealers Association, past President of the Bulldog Bench, and a priest for the Community of Christ Church. He also enjoyed coaching youth basketball, playing softball, running, biking, and hunting.

Though Mike battled various health issues over the past 15 years, he kept his health as a priority and found enjoyment in working out and being proactive in his development of mind, body, and spirit. He had a passion for life and found the most pride in sharing that with his five grandchildren. “Papa” affectionately replaced “Mike” in most circles that extended even beyond his family. He was a loving grandfather who was adored by his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Gunter of Sagle; son, Clint (Margi) Gunter of Sandpoint; daughter, Kari (Ross) Granier of Sandpoint; five grandchildren, Karsen and Taylor Granier, Genevieve, Alissa and Vincent Gunter; one brother, Pat (Monica) Gunter of Sagle; and two sisters ,Diane (Al) Gatrost of Independence, Missouri, and Darla (Dennis) Grewal of Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada.

Memorial donations may be made to Community Cancer Services, 1205 U.S. 2, Suite 101 B, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Mike’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.