Gail Elaine Dunning
April 4, 1952 – March 27, 2025
Gail Elaine Dunning was born on April 4, 1952, in Waukon, IA, the daughter of Robert Logan and Olive (Herman) Dunning. She grew up on a dairy farm and always maintained an attachment to the farm. However, it was soon evident that Gail would not remain there as she began playing the piano at the age of four. She graduated from Waukon High School in 1970, and played French horn and piano accompaniment for local vocal groups. She attended the University of Iowa and received a bachelor’s degree in music in 1974. Gail also completed a masters of music in piano performance in 1976.
After graduating from the University of Iowa, she moved to Omaha, NE, teaching piano and establishing her highly successful Gail Dunning Piano Studio within years. Her private students consistently earned superior ratings at festivals and competitions such as the Truran Piano and Omaha Young Artists competitions. Gail was on adjunct faculty at Creighton University from 1985 – 1996. Overall, she taught music for 49 years.
Gail was very active in various professional groups. She has been a member of the Music Teachers National Association since 1979. She served as president of the Private Music Instructors of Omaha and was instrumental in facilitating the successful merger of this association with the Omaha Music Teachers. She served as the senior scholarship chair, secretary, vice president, and president-elect for the Omaha Music Teachers Association. Gail was a member of Nebraska Music Teachers Association and was named Teacher of the Year in 2013; she also served as a theory chair, district festival chair, president-elect, and from 2018 – 2021, was the president.
She was a true friend to many and retained close ties to her extended family. Gail loved taking trips to visit her parents, her siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She attended many reunions with friends in her home town of Waukon.
Survivors include a sister, Susan (Robert) McCoy of Somersworth, NH; brother, Phillip (Linda) Dunning of Brighton, IL; nieces and nephews: Wendy (Jon) of Rochester, NH, Brent (Julie) of Westborough, MA, Christopher (Michelle) Dunning of St. Charles, MO, Alex and Ryan Kaban of Rochester, NH, and Marcus, Lexi, and Noah McCoy of Westborough, MA. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her longtime friend, Chuck (Blankenbeckler) Beckler of Omaha.
Gail’s family would like to thank Karen Benefiel for her friendship, advice, and wonderful support.
VISITATION: Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 4:00-6:00PM, with FUNERAL SERVICE at 6:00PM, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Thursday, April 10, 2025, 6:00PM with VISITATION from 4:00-6:00PM, Martin-Grau Funeral Home, 202 Allamakee St., Waukon, IA
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Omaha Music Teachers Association c/o Jan Zimmerman, 8585 Keystone Drive, Omaha, NE 68134. Please write in Gail Dunning Memorial in the memo line. You may also make a donation to your favorite charity in memory of Gail Dunning.
To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
3 Comments
I was an adult student with Gail for over 8 years. She reinforced my love of piano music, particularly the classics. After many years of private lessons, I had the pleasure of getting to know Gail, her love of teaching and her commitment to her students. I will miss her but will think of her fondly when I sit down at my piano. Doug
Thank you for your kind words.
My husband and I met Gail in late August and we quickly became friends. Encouraging each other and sharing happy moments; laughing and praying together. Even though I have known her for a short period of time , I miss her greatly. She was a honest and sincere friend. Looking forward to seeing her again in heaven!
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