Mr. Garwood Arvid Maunula

Garwood (Gar) Maunula passed away peacefully on March 27, 2020 at his home in Shelbyville, TN, with his family by his side. Gar was born on July 11, 1938 in Ishpeming, Michigan to Arvid and Bernice Maunula. He was proceeded in death by his wife Florence Maunula, and is survived by his son, Gary Maunula and his partner Deirdre Scanlon, his sister Judy (Robert) Larson Robert, and their sons Jon and Allen. Gar graduated from Gwinn High School (MI) class of 1956. In his youth he was a band member, ski jumper, baseball player, class valedictorian, and member of Gwinn United Methodist Church. He received his bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University, with science programs at BGSU and Wayne State University. He received his master’s degree in education from The University of Pennsylvania, which he attended under a National Science Foundation scholarship. Gar was proud to call himself a “schoolteacher” and taught students of all ages through college for 33 years in science and math and coached baseball, skiing, and soccer. He retired as a teacher from The Webb School (Bell Buckle, TN). He was also the Science Department Chairman at Detroit Country Day School, Assistant Headmaster at The Valley School (Flint, MI), Headmaster at Lake Tahoe Ski Etude. Gar was active with service groups throughout the years including the local Library Board, Sertoma, and was an original board member of the Tony Rice Center. He was a loving father and kindhearted man who put the interests of others first. On two different occasions he risked his life to save people from drowning. He enjoyed sports and was always active with his son Gary’s teams and interests. Gar was an avid black and white photographer and an artist innovator using the Kodalith sheet film process. Later in life and Flo and Gar retired to a small “fixer upper” farm in TN where they grew organic flowers and herbs. They were happiest enjoying antiquing, working flea markets, and building doll houses. When his wife became ill he took on the role of caregiver and cared for her. At the end of his life he suffered from dementia and cancer, but always had positive spirit; and the doctors/nurses who treated him always commented on his happiness and strength. He has left the earth to be in in God’s arms and leaves us here with the gift of love. There will be no services in Tennessee. Burial will be in Michigan. Feldhaus Memorial Chapel is assisting the family.

Mr. Garwood Arvid Maunula

July 11, 1938 - March 27, 2020