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Photo of James R. Unger

James R. Unger

9/6/1943 - 12/9/2023


Obituary


James R. Unger, 80, of Dows, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at Ewing Funeral Home, 114 East Ellsworth in Dows.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM prior to services on Wednesday.

James Robert, son of John and Dorothy (Ward) Unger, was born in Des Moines on September 6, 1943.

Jim and his dad, John, ran the Phillips 66 fuel oil tank wagon service. In his younger years, Jim also ran the gas station in Dows prior to getting married. Jim worked at Winnebago as a painter and a mold fabricator for over 20 years.

He married Donna Sorenson in 1962 and had four children with her. He married Debra Steenblock 1970 and had one son with her and two step-children.

Jim was an artist with many talents. He loved his ’55 Chevy. He enjoyed playing cards, going fishing, and being with his friends and best friend, Jack Capretz. Everybody loved him and was his friend.

Jim is survived by his son Christopher (Jessica) Unger, daughter Laurie Amsbaugh, daughter Leslie Unger, step-daughter Shelli Steenblock, and step-son Sean Holm; grandchildren Cody Unger, Brittany Unger, Jacob Unger, Andrea (Arturo Adams) Unger, Cassie Baysinger, Shaylee (Matt) Morrell, Mazy Davalos, Raychel (Andy) McDonough, Hanna (Curtis) King, Justin Pedersen, and Chelsey Pedersen; step-grandchildren Levi Schlagel, Lexi Goble, Luis Schlagel, Libby Murray, Leah Murray, Hannah Holm, and Jacob Holm; great-grandchildren  Elijah Unger, Izmalia Unger, Aasir James Adams, Lane Ohare, Keira Ohare, Hunter Morrell, Elenore Morrell, Ruby Morrell, Neveah, Juan James, Paislynn, MiReya, Bentley, Connor McDonough, Addison McDonough, Rosalie King, and Baby Pedersen in 2024; step-great-grandchildren Avery Goble, Azlyn Goble, Enzo Blome, Gabriel Blome, Aiden Blome, Laene Blome, Tjabring Holm, and Morgan Holm; sister Beverly Bangs; and nieces Jane Bangs, Penny (Jerry) Price, and Becky Bangs.

He is preceded in death by his daughter Dawn Unger; son Jamie Unger; grandson James Andrew Unger; great-grandsons James Baysinger and Jacob Pedersen; first wife Donna Classon; second wife Deb Unger; mother Dorothy Unger; father John Unger; and nephew Brian Bangs.