Gunner Seider

Gunner Seider, age 81, a resident of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, died on December 21, 2017, at his residence. Gunner Seider was a retired sausage maker in Munich, Germany. He migrated to the United States, and around the year 1990, he settled in Buffalo, NY. Deciding that he wanted to see his new land, Gunner embarked on a journey that would have seemed impossible to many. “I want to see America,” Gunner had said. “Doing it on foot is the best way to see my new homeland.” Pulling a 650-pound cart with essentials, in 1993 Gunner set out with a goal of visiting every one of the United States, in particular, each state capitol building and meeting the Governor while there. He was given a state license plate from every Governor, which he firmly placed on the wagon he pulled. Gunner also received an autographed photo from each of the Governors. Throughout the next ten years Gunner walked around the country, meeting people in all walks of life. His name was well known to many, as he was featured in newspapers, magazines and numerous national and local television newscasts.  He sometimes settled in an area and did odd jobs to earn some spending money, and planned his route so he would be in the southern, warmer climate during the winter months.  On October 9, 2003, after trekking 23,790 miles, wearing out 84 pair shoes, and going through 30 sets of tires on his wagon, Gunner reached his goal of visiting each of the United States and meeting every Governor. Friends from Michigan and Minnesota met Gunner at the Capitol Building in Salt Lake City, where (then) Governor Michael Leavitt presented him with his last license plate and attached it to his wagon.  A dinner party celebrating his achievement was held in his honor at the Hilton Resort. Gunner returned to Minnesota where he lived with the Lapos family and began working on a book of his adventurous and courageous journey. Although he did not complete the book as planned, Gunner wrote several chapters, making note of the most memorable events. Gunner will be sorely missed by those who knew him and shared in his adventurous journey. A Facebook page, “Remembering Gunner Seider,” is being created for those who remember him and wish to share their memories. Graveside Services will be held 10 a.m., Thursday, August 22, 2019 at South Grove Lake Cemetery.