1951
John
2025
John "Gunner" Craig Wanninger
December 10, 1951 — September 30, 2025
Audubon
John Craig (Gunner) Wanninger IV, son of Big John and Norma (Andersen) Wanninger, was born December 10, 1951, at St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll, Iowa and died September 30, 2025, at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 73 years, 9 months and 18 days.
Craig was raised in rural Manning and attended Manning High School and graduated with the Class of 1971. Craig quickly put his mechanical genius to use by helping many area farmers and other businesses before he started his long-term employment with the City of Audubon in 1974. It was during this time that he met Nancy Hutchins. They were united in marriage June 26, 1976, at the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon, Iowa. Two children were born to this union, John Jesse and Lucas Dean.
Craig lived a busy life, including numerous fishing and snowmobile trips with his family. He dedicated many years to fueling the boys’ love of racing cars, often tearing down and rebuilding in a matter of hours. Craig and Nancy also enjoyed time exploring different states and taking bike trips. With Craig still by her side, Nancy lost her battle to cancer on January 5, 2018.
After the loss of Nancy, Craig began spending time with his very special friend Deb Hargens. The two of them spent several years together going on side-by-side and motorcycle trips, visiting both of their families, and enjoying their time having fun.
In addition to being a member of the Audubon Fire Department for over twenty years, Craig dedicated over forty years to the City of Audubon.
Preceding him in death were with parents, his wife Nancy, his brothers-in-law John Nelson, Keith Vokt, and Dave Genzen, and his sister-in-law Cheryl Christman.
Survivors include Jesse and Miranda of Audubon Iowa, Luke and Farran and their children, Ryder and Rhett of Argonia, Kansas; Deb Hargens of Glidden, Iowa; his sisters Vickie Ewoldt and Cindy Vokt of Audubon, Iowa, Lisa and husband Wayne Zimmerman of Casey, Iowa, Lori Genzen of Manning, Iowa, Lana Wanninger of Denison, Iowa; his brothers and sisters-in-law Bob and wife Marla of Glendale, California, Max Christman of Nixa, Missouri, Teresa and husband Mark McLaughlin of Audubon, Iowa, Leslie Herdman of Kansas City, Missouri; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon is handling the arrangements for the Wanninger Family.
Craig was raised in rural Manning and attended Manning High School and graduated with the Class of 1971. Craig quickly put his mechanical genius to use by helping many area farmers and other businesses before he started his long-term employment with the City of Audubon in 1974. It was during this time that he met Nancy Hutchins. They were united in marriage June 26, 1976, at the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon, Iowa. Two children were born to this union, John Jesse and Lucas Dean.
Craig lived a busy life, including numerous fishing and snowmobile trips with his family. He dedicated many years to fueling the boys’ love of racing cars, often tearing down and rebuilding in a matter of hours. Craig and Nancy also enjoyed time exploring different states and taking bike trips. With Craig still by her side, Nancy lost her battle to cancer on January 5, 2018.
After the loss of Nancy, Craig began spending time with his very special friend Deb Hargens. The two of them spent several years together going on side-by-side and motorcycle trips, visiting both of their families, and enjoying their time having fun.
In addition to being a member of the Audubon Fire Department for over twenty years, Craig dedicated over forty years to the City of Audubon.
Preceding him in death were with parents, his wife Nancy, his brothers-in-law John Nelson, Keith Vokt, and Dave Genzen, and his sister-in-law Cheryl Christman.
Survivors include Jesse and Miranda of Audubon Iowa, Luke and Farran and their children, Ryder and Rhett of Argonia, Kansas; Deb Hargens of Glidden, Iowa; his sisters Vickie Ewoldt and Cindy Vokt of Audubon, Iowa, Lisa and husband Wayne Zimmerman of Casey, Iowa, Lori Genzen of Manning, Iowa, Lana Wanninger of Denison, Iowa; his brothers and sisters-in-law Bob and wife Marla of Glendale, California, Max Christman of Nixa, Missouri, Teresa and husband Mark McLaughlin of Audubon, Iowa, Leslie Herdman of Kansas City, Missouri; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon is handling the arrangements for the Wanninger Family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John "Gunner" Craig Wanninger, please visit our flower store.
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