Joseph B Gunnison

Joseph Bernard Gunnison, 74, of Rochester died Tuesday October 20, 2026, in Prairie Meadows Senior Living, Kasson MN.

Joe was born on November 28, 1951, to Andrew (Wow) and Anne (Fried) Gunnison in Yonkers, New York. He attended St. Barnabus Elementary School and then went to Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx. Upon graduation, he attended California State College, Pennsylvania, where he attained his teaching degree. While attending a job fair in Texas, he interviewed and was offered a job with the Rochester, MN Public Schools. In 1973, he traveled halfway across the US to Minnesota, where he made a home and where people became his family.

His career teaching Special Education placed him in several schools in the Rochester District and led him to pursue his master's degree at Mankato State University. Joe served on the board of directors of The ARC and The ABC of Rochester. He completed his long career teaching in the Work Experience program at Mayo High School.

Joe was an avid collector of antiques and was especially interested in American art pottery and mission style oak furniture. He enjoyed music, collecting vinyl albums and attending concerts. He enjoyed cooking, trying new recipes, and participating in a monthly cooking group with friends. He enjoyed reading, book clubs, and the daily newspaper. He also enjoyed movies and attending plays, both here and in New York. Joe loved watching the deer stroll through his back yard and looked forward to his annual trips to Northern WI and Grand Marias with parents and friends.

Joe is survived by his sister Kathy Rice, brother Andrew (Michele) Gunnison, nephews Brian Rice, Drew Gunnison, niece Susanne (Peter) Esposito, great nephew Peter Esposito and great niece Andie Esposito, cousins, his Minnesota family Paul Larsen, Ron Ruport, Carl & Mary Ebert, Evelyn Minnaert, the staff and residents at Prairie Meadows and many others. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Robert.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to The ARC MN or to Paws and Claws Rochester.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal Place NW) in Rochester. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the funeral home as well as one hour prior to the service.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Gunnison family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.