Member of ADN Community Passes Away

We mourn and remember Kent Gunden

Anabaptist Disabilities Network is an organization built on relationships. We are transformed, informed, and inspired by our connection with remarkable Christian-Anabaptist individuals living with disabilities.

Today, we grieve the passing of one such remarkable individual, Kent P. Gunden, of Goshen, Indiana.  Kent died on Thursday, February 8th, at Goshen Hospital.

Kent was born June 19, 1956, in Elkhart, to William “Bill” Jr., and Evelyn (Rocke) Gunden. He was a member of Belmont Mennonite Church and worked as a Goshen News newspaper carrier for twenty-three years. Kent enjoyed many hobbies, including music, fishing, sports, spending time with family, art, reading and anything associated with Notre Dame University. Kent participated in several national Special Olympics, winning several gold medals in swimming and diving. If you met Kent, you would never forget him.

Kent and his congregation, Belmont Mennonite Church, shared their story in ADN ’s 2015 book, Circles of Love: Stories of congregations caring for people with disabilities and their families. This story featured how members of Belmont lovingly and systematically worked alongside Kent in a circle of love to support him to live independently.

Kent’s life alongside Belmont Mennonite Church will continue to inspire congregations to nurture communities that are inclusive of people with disabilities.