Paul Gunsett

Paul Gunsett, 53, of Decatur, Indiana passed away Friday afternoon, January 6, 2023, at Lutheran Hospital following complications of a two month battle with melanoma cancer.

He was born April 2, 1969 in Decatur, Indiana to David M. and Linda A. (Sheets) Gunsett.

Paul was united in marriage to Amy L. Bennett on June 18, 1994 at Zion Lutheran Church in Decatur and she survives.

Paul was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, Decatur where he was a former elder, school board member, congregational secretary, among other offices he held over the years.  He was a 1988 graduate of Bellmont High School.  Following his graduation, he achieved a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Purdue University where he earned his wrestling scholarship.  He competed at the NCAA level for three years, until a career ending injury prevented him from fulfilling his final year.  He was also a member of the Indiana State Teachers Association, the Indiana Wrestling Hall of Fame, and was active with the Decatur Wrestling Club.  He was a member of the 1987 and 1988 State Wrestling Teams for Bellmont.  The Bellmont Braves were in good hands when his match clinched the individual and state 1988 Indiana Wrestling Championship.  Over the course of his wrestling career at Bellmont, he was a four-year Indiana State Wrestling qualifier.

Paul was a teacher at North Adams Community Schools. His career began at the ACCESS School for the middle school students.  He then transferred into Physical Education in the elementary level before continuing into the Middle School.  Coaching was in his blood.  He was the Assistant Coach for the Bellmont High School Girl’s Track and Soccer Teams; Coach for Bellmont Middle School Volleyball Team; and Assistant and Head Coach of the Bellmont High School Wrestling Team for 28 years.  He also coached in his community, helping with Little League Teams, umpiring Little League games, Parks and Rec Soccer Teams, and refereed Middle School Wrestling.

Paul was competitive…in everything…card games, athletic games, life.  He was well known for his wrestling achievements throughout Indiana.  Since 1987, Paul was a part of every Bellmont team State Wrestling champion or runner-up earning a total of 13 rings.

Selfless and dependable are two words that describe Paul.  But, the most accurate phrase to describe him would be “He was a champion of people”.  He had a fierce loyalty for friends and family which was unmatched.  His favorite time was on family vacations and time spent with friends.  He also had a talent of inspiring others to be better in all aspects of their life.

He loved the ocean and swimming with the family. As part of his certification for Physical Education, he became a certified lifeguard, which he used to “lifeguard” family activities.

He is survived by his wife, Amy Gunsett of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Emily (fiancé Sean McMahan) Gunsett of Fort Wayne, Indiana; two sons, Daniel Gunsett and Patrick Gunsett both of Decatur, Indiana; parents, David and Linda Gunsett of Decatur, Indiana; sister, Laura (Scott) Kitson of Decatur, Indiana; and two brothers, Brian (Dana) Gunsett of Snohomish, Washington; brother, Matt (Angie) Gunsett of Decatur, Indiana; mother-in-law, Mary Bennett of Decatur, Indiana; sister-in-law, Stacy Crabbs of Decatur, Indiana; brother-in-law, Jeff (Kim) Bennett of Ossian, Indiana; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Paul will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 16, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Decatur with Pastor James Voorman and Pastor Zach Oedewalt officiating.  Please arrive at church by 10:45 a.m. for the service.  For those unable to attend, the service can be watched on the Zion Lutheran Church YouTube channel at zionlutherandecatur.   Burial will follow at Decatur Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 15, 2023 at the Bellmont High School in Decatur.  For those attending, use the main entrance to the gymnasium.  If possible, wear wrestling attire, Purdue shirts, or Bellmont Gear.

In lieu of flowers, Paul’s family would encourage memorial donations to Zion Lutheran Church; Patrick Gunsett Education Fund (checks payable to Amy Gunsett); or Bellmont High School Wrestling.

Arrangements are by the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur.