A Life Story

Rev. Donald William LunickMarch 25, 1936 – January 27, 2025Rev. Donald William Lunick passed away in Savannah, Georgia on January 27, 2025. Born on March 25, 1936, in Dundee, New York, Don grew up in the Finger Lakes region, spending his childhood in Geneva, New York. He enjoyed squirrel hunting and playing with his beloved dog, Peggy. At age three, he contracted a mild case of polio, which later affected his mobility.Don graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1956 with a degree in Retailing but soon felt "the calling" and enrolled in the Lutheran Seminary (Missouri Synod) in Springfield, Illinois. During summer breaks, he worked at the Experiment Station in New York, where he met Barbara Smith. The two married on June 27, 1959, and shared over 65 years of love and partnership.Don's ministry took him across the country. He served at Zion Lutheran Church in Pinckneyville, Illinois; Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Savannah, Georgia; Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lubbock, Texas; and Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Detroit, Michigan. In each congregation, Don demonstrated steadfast dedication, whether building new sanctuaries or fostering inclusivity among diverse communities. After retiring in 1998, he returned to Savannah and remained active as a visitation pastor and elder at Trinity Lutheran Church.Don and Barbara shared a passion for travel, exploring much of the United States and Canada in their motorhomes and visiting destinations worldwide, including Europe, Alaska, Israel, and Scandinavia. Don also had a deep affection for his cats, whom he lovingly spoiled.He is survived by his wife, Barbara Lunick; his daughter, Victoria Wieczorek Lunick; his son, Kirk (Kelly Kilgore) Lunick; grandsons Connor and Dalton; his sister, Marilyn Thorsen; and many nieces and nephews.A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 12391 Mercy Blvd., Savannah, GA 31419. The family will be receiving friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.Entombment will follow the funeral service at Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.