Gunther Xaver Rester

Beloved husband and father, Gunther Xaver Rester passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2020.  Gunther was 90 years old and his death was the result of COVID-19 complications.

Gunther Rester was born in Munich, Germany to parents Franz and Barbara on December 20, 1929. Gunther grew up loving to kayak and snow skiing in the mountains of Bavaria. He had a deep love and respect for nature and animals. He later shared those passions with family and friends alike. World War II sent a young Gunther packing from Munich to a mountain dairy farm in the Jachenau region of Bavaria. After the war, Gunther became friends with an American G.I., Joe Garcia of Sterling, IL while working at the U.S. 88^th General Army Hospital in Munich. Joe returned to the U.S. and helped arrange for Gunther’s sponsorship as he immigrated to the U.S. They intended to travel for a couple of years before Gunther returned to Germany.

Arriving at the Glasser farm in Sterling, Illinois, Gunther found another lifelong passion:  Angela Vicenta Reyes, a lovely young woman who had also immigrated to the United States from Panama. Gunther and Angie were wed on December 18, 1954.  That marriage and love last still. Their wedding was witnessed by Chet and Helen Stewart (Fellows). Helen and her family remain devoted friends and adopted family.

Making their home in Sterling, Gunther and Angie raised three children: Angela Rester Samse (Robert), Barbara Rester (Dominic Cittadino), and Chris Rester (Tara). Gunther was a longtime employee of the Sterling Daily Gazette where many, many lifelong friendships were forged. Gunther’s vast and varied circle of friends spanned generations, backgrounds, interests, and more. As the newspaper’s photographer, few were the people in Sterling-Rock Falls who did not know Gunther for his sense of humor, diligence, and service to the news.

Gunther is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, Sienna, Dominic, Clayton, Cale, Celeste, Cooper, and Corrinna who love him with all their hearts. While Angie and kids will miss their hero immensely, all find comfort in knowing that they had the best possible lives ever because of Gunther’s love, spirit, humor, and passion for life.

In respect to his wishes, Gunther’s remains will be cremated. A Memorial in Sterling, IL will be delayed due to current coronavirus concerns and COVID-19 complications for other family members. Plans for the opportunity to gather and celebrate the life of Gunther and all of the lives that he touched will be forthcoming. Prior to his move to Wisconsin for health reasons, Gunther was known to say, “I was born in Germany but Sterling is my home.”