Gayle Albert Juntunen

As a young boy, Gayle spent much of his time on the Juntunen and Parkkila family dairy farms. He also helped his father with his Lake Trout fishing business on Lake Superior. After graduating from high school, Gayle joined the U.S. Army National Guard. He was on active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis; when the invasion did not proceed, Gayle moved to Chicago to pursue a career in engineering.

Gayle began his engineering career at Allis Chalmers, working on diesel engines. In 1962, he made a bold move to Texas, driving south in his 1955 white Cadillac convertible with his pet parakeet. It was in Houston that he met Sharon Bennet Hahn, whom he married in 1966.

Gayle became a partner at Apex Engineering, Inc., a consulting engineering firm. He specialized in designing oil rigs and worked on numerous downstream refinery projects along the Houston Ship Channel for companies such as Charter Oil, Phibro, and ExxonMobil. Having mastered drafting before the advent of computers, Gayle possessed an extraordinary ability to calculate complex figures mentally to three decimal points. When computer-aided drafting (CAD) emerged, he was adept at catching errors that machines overlooked. His sharp mechanical mind and attention to detail were invaluable to his profession.

Beyond his professional achievements, Gayle nurtured a deep love for the outdoors. He cherished time with his family at the San Leon bayhouse, where they fished, crabbed, barbecued, and cultivated a shared appreciation for nature. On weekends, he retreated to his ranch in Normangee, TX, where he raised cattle, had pine trees planted, and found solace from city life. Each deer season, he provided venison to nourish his loved ones, embodying his belief in self-sufficiency and care for family.

Gayle is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Sharon Hahn Juntunen; his son, Eric Hahn Juntunen, and wife, Urania Larraga Juntunen; and his daughter, Karen Juntunen van Delft, and husband, Derek van Delft. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren and extended family: Alfredo, Daniel, Kevin, Velvye, Natalie, Lily, Layla, Gabriella, Daniel Jr., Gerald Hahn, Lori and Bill Cazey, Abby and Andy Steuber, Jennifer and Sonny Wiggins, and their families.

It is said that we enter this world with nothing and leave with nothing. Yet, Gayle Juntunen leaves behind a legacy of a life well-lived. His memory and the countless stories he created remain in the hearts and minds of those who loved him. By so many measures, he was a great man. We honor his life and may he rest in peace.

Gayle was cremated, and a memorial service will be held on February 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM at St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, 2217 Theta St., Houston, TX 77034. Light refreshments will follow in the fellowship hall.

To honor Gayle's memory, consider donating to a charity of your choice or one that supports Texas nature and conservation, such as the Texas Land Conservancy (texaslandconservancy.org).