Edward Cunningham Obituary

Command Sergeant Major Edward James Cunningham (USA, Ret.), born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1945 to Dr. James Paul & Mrs. Lucille Delores Cunningham (née Gurski), died unexpectedly and peacefully on November 7th at the age of 78. He boarded at Campion Jesuit HS in Wisconsin, then graduated from Dowling HS and Drake University, both in Des Moines. After a stint in optometry, he was VP of Plaza State Bank, then CEO of Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp. in Des Moines, Senior Executive of Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency in Harrisburg, and CEO of Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan Corp. in Louisville. He was an active hockey player & official well into his 70s, a longtime member of the Patriot Guard, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars; his military service spanned nearly 30 years. He was a proud citizen of both the United States and Ireland. He enjoyed motorcycle rides with his wife and was an avid locomotive and aviation enthusiast. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 44 years, Sam, his son Donald James (Alexandra), sister Mary Rita Seckington-Burns (Robert), brother-in-law Danny Christenson, and sisters-in-law Diane Bunton (Arthur), Carlene Shoafstall (Earl), and Diane Christenson, as well as many adored nieces and nephews. Ed was truly the life of the party, and his infectious smile and limitless charm captured every room.

VENUE CHANGE: Services confirmed for Saturday, November 18th at 2.00 PM at the Church of the Land, Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322 (NOT the Camp Dodge Chapel). A reception will follow ~4.00 PM at the Glen Oaks Country Club (Shakes Room in the main clubhouse), 1401 Glen Oaks Drive, West Des Moines, 50266 (reference the "Cunningham memorial" at the guard booth). Please do help to spread the word about the change of venue.

Arrangements held by Iles Westover Chapel.

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