Dr. John M. Cunningham
Dr. John M. Cunningham, 79, of Elkader, died peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.
John Michael Cunningham was born on Jan. 8, 1945, in Oelwein, to Michael Joseph and Helen Augusta (Hoffman) Cunningham. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Arlington. John grew up on the family farm east of Arlington. He learned the value of hard work helping his parents with the dairy cows, working in the fields and helping his mother every night with the dishes. Being an only child, he loved playing with the neighbor “kids” and his Whitlock cousins. John had handsome red hair, freckles and sparkling blue eyes. His nickname was “Red!” His school years were spent at the Arlington School. He graduated in the last class from Arlington High School in 1962. In the fall of 1962, John left the farm and headed to Iowa State University to major in farm operations, and he received his bachelor’s degree in 1966. He graduated in 1970 from Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine with his doctorate in veterinary medicine.
On Aug. 17, 1969, John and Dawn (Rau) were united in marriage at St. John’s. In January 1971, the young couple moved to Elgin, placed his vet sign in the front yard and waited for the phone to ring. His office started in the basement, and with his wife’s help, they built a successful vet practice. In 1974, he built the Valley Vet Clinic and expanded the practice to include three veterinarians. They had 16 wonderful years caring for the cattle and hogs in the hills and valleys of northeast Iowa. John was dedicated to his practice and a persistent and masterful diagnostician. He became involved with the Pseudo Rabies disease eradication, which continued throughout his career. John cherished the lifelong relationships with his clients and friends.
Three children were born while living in Elgin: Matthew John, Stephanie Ann and Michael Duwain. Going with dad on calls, showing cattle at the fair and family vacations, including many ski trips to Colorado, were special times spent with dad. In 1987, due to health issues, Dr. John left large animal practice. The family then moved to Milford, Neb., and Dr. John became a vet field services specialist with Norden Labs in Lincoln, Neb. In 1997, John was transferred to Pfizer in Lee’s Summit, Mo. There, he became involved in clinical research trials. He traveled the world, investigating swine diseases, speaking at international conventions and educating veterinarians and their clients.
In 2000, John and Dawn semi-retired to Steamboat Springs, Colo., to enjoy his life-long love of the mountains and skiing. He became a member of The American Veterinary Medical Assistant team and was sent to England to study Foot and Mouth Disease and California and West Virginia to investigate NewCastle disease. He worked for the State of Colorado Vet services, the Department of Agriculture and Steamboat Ski Mountain.
He was a lifelong member of AVMA and IVMA. While in Colorado, John and Dawn began to travel and visited all seven continents. His favorite trip was to South Africa. In 2012, John and Dawn moved home to northeast Iowa and his much-loved family farm. Here, they reconnected with family and friends and met many new friends. John was an avid Cyclones fan!
John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dawn; his sons, Matthew John of Elkader and Michael Duwain (Andrea) of Maryville, Mo.; his grandchildren, Paige (Alex Soto) Cunningham, Kirsten (Blake) Crider, Jacob Cunningham, Kaylee (Matt) Benson, Lukas (Faith) Peterson, Aimee (Emmet Elledge) Cunningham and Trevin, Alyssa and Alex Cunningham; great-granddaughters, Ivy Elledge and Lucia Soto; cousin, MeriAnn (Kim) Klocke, and the Whitlock cousins; sisters in-law, Debra (Bob) Huck and family, Detra (Terry) Warren and family and Darla Rau.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Helen Cunningham; daughter, Stephanie Cunningham; and parents in-law, Duwain and IloMae Rau.
Visitation was on Nov. 4, at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Arlington, and before the service at the church. Funeral service was Nov. 5, at St. John Lutheran Church, Arlington, with Rev. Margaret Yackel-Juleen officiating.
Private family interment was held at Taylorsville Cemetery, rural Arlington.
Memorial Fund: Iowa State University Diagnostic Lab and St. John Lutheran Church.
Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.
