The funeral Mass for Deacon Roland R. Gunsaullus was celebrated Jan. 18 at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Church. Deacon Gunsaullus died Jan. 13. He was 103 and had been a deacon for 35 years.
Born on Nov. 10, 1915, in St. Louis, he was married to the late Lillian Gunsaullus (nee Hentrich) on June 19, 1940. They were blessed with two children, James and Elizabeth (Wyrsch), along with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Deacon Gunsaullus was a World War II veteran, serving in the United States Army and receiving a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He retired from Koken Manufacturing in 1977.
Deacon Gunsaullus was ordained to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate on Feb. 5, 1983, by Archbishop John L. May. He was assigned to St. Bernadette Parish from 1983 until 1986 when he was assigned to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and served there until his retirement on June 5, 1992.
Prior to his retirement, in addition to his performance of the sacramental functions of a deacon, specifically assisting at Mass, conducting wake services and attending funerals, leading Liturgy of the Word and Communion Services when needed, performing baptisms, conducting benedictions and leading Stations of the Cross, Deacon Gunsaullus worked extensively with people who were in hospitals and nursing homes.
Burial was at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.