Steven Gunder

Steven Charles Gunder, 75, Topeka, Kansas, formerly of Polo, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2022. Steven was born December 30, 1946, in Amboy, Illinois, the son of Charles and Katherine Steder Gunder. He graduated from Polo High School in 1965. Steven married Joyce Pyron; they later divorced. He married Janet ; they later divorced. Steven started racing go karts and snowmobiles as a boy. He restored his first car, a Ford Model A, owned by his uncle at a young age. Steven started his first business, Gunder Restoration, in Sterling, Illinois, after High School. In the mid 70's, Steven moved his family and business to Topeka. Over the years, his business grew and he became known as one the most renowned antique car restoration specialists in the business. Some of his restorations won at events all over the country. Which includes Hershey and Prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. By the mid 90's, he started a new business, Showtime Trailers, building custom race trailers and toterhomes. By the mid 2000's, Steven started yet another business, Prestige Living. Partnering with Joyce Brown, they began building townhomes in South Topeka. During his life and career some sort of racing was always close by; including drag racing in Byron and Cordova, Illinois as well as stock car racing. In the mid 70's and early 80's , Steven raced his #29 late model at the fairgrounds in Topeka. In the late 80's, he started racing Sprint Cars for a time. In the late 90's and early 2000's, Steven started racing at the Knoxville Speedway. In which he collected a 2nd and 5th place in points championship as well as car owner of the year. In the mid 2000's, Steven started helping kids with racing at the TKQMA in Topeka. He also enjoyed and loved going for coffee at Burger King and Denny's with all his buddies and friends. Steven is survived by his children, Steven S. Gunder (Michelle), Tracey Velez (Jerry); grandchildren, Tyler Horner, Emalie Gunder, Sydney Gunder, Colton Gunder, Brenden Velez, Britani Head and Braelyn Velez; eight great-grandchildren; and special friend, Joyce Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother. Visitation will be 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, September 1, 2022, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where funeral service will be at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to TKQMA (Topeka Kansas Quarter Midget Association) and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Steven Gunder

December 30, 1946 - August 25, 2022