Reverend Alan Gumm

Reverend Alan Gumm, 70, entered eternal rest on January 14, 2025, at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, Tennessee. Born on March 2, 1954, to the late George and Betty Gumm in Port Washington, Wisconsin, Alan spent his life devoted to his faith, his family, and his calling as a pastor.

Alan served as a Lutheran pastor for 43 years, touching countless lives with his unwavering kindness, caring heart, and vibrant personality. Known for his larger-than-life presence, Alan’s love knew no bounds. He embraced life with a passion that radiated in everything he did—whether sharing the message of his Savior Jesus or pouring his love into his family.

Alan’s pastoral journey led him to serve congregations across the United States, creating deep and lasting friendships in every community he and his family called home. His ministry began as a vicar in South St. Paul, Minnesota, and continued in Hazelton, North Dakota; Kekoskee, Wisconsin; Gillette, Wyoming; Yuma, Arizona; West Chicago, Illinois; North Fort Myers, Florida; and Port Charlotte, Florida. After retiring in 2023, Alan and his beloved wife, Carolyn, settled in Columbia, Tennessee.

Alan is survived by Carolyn, his devoted wife of 47 years; his children, Rev. Jeremiah (Lisa) Gumm, Prof. Joseph (Annie) Gumm, Hannah (Joey) Mueller, and Jonathan Gumm; his grandchildren, Adelaide, Matthias, Clara, Muriel, Benjamin, Evangeline, Aaron, Lena, Gemma, and Cecilia; his brother, Rev. Thomas (Carol) Gumm; his sister-in-law, Nancy Eberhardt; his aunt, Jeanne Heidel; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and the entire Christian Church on Earth, whom he loved and served so faithfully.

Alan is preceded in death by his parents, George and Betty Gumm; his in-laws: Willard and Florence Degnitz; and many other loved ones.

Alan’s profound impact on those who knew him is immeasurable, and his memory will live on in the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed but joyfully remembered as a faithful servant, loving husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather, and steadfast friend.

Alan always believed that everything that happened in a person’s life was an act of God’s grace. Now he enjoys that grace with his Savior. 

VISITATION: Alan’s family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at David’s Star Ev. Lutheran Church, 2740 Davids Star Drive, Jackson, WI 53037.

SERVICE: A Christian Victory Service in remembrance of Alan will take place at 12:00 Noon on Saturday at Church. The livestream will be available at David's Star Youtube page.

Committal service will be at David’s Star Church Cemetery following the service, with a luncheon to follow.

Memorials in Alan’s name can be directed to The Gumm Family Scholarship at Luther Preparatory School, 1300 Western Ave. Watertown, WI 53094.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service of West Bend, WI and Williams Funeral Home of Columbia, TN have been entrusted with Alan’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.