Remembering Gunter, the 'Storage Wars' fan favorite who died at 67

Gunter Nezhoda passed away age 67 from lung cancer in Utah on March 21, 2023. An Austrian with a cheerful demeanor and flowing hair, Gunter had a varied professional background but gained particular popularity as a fan-favorite on the A& TV show 'Storage Wars.'

Photo: gunter.nezhoda / Facebook

Rene Nezhoda, also from ‘Storage Wars,’ announced the sad news in an emotional video on Instagram. "I’m just gonna say it the way I say it: My dad six months ago was diagnosed with lung cancer. He’s been smoking for 30 years… And last night, he passed away in his sleep peacefully."

Image: rbargainhunters/ Instagram

Rene explained that people had been asking about his dad but he had avoided speaking about it. “We kept it private. We thought he was going to fully recover, but unfortunately, he didn’t. Now hopefully, he’s up there in heaven with my mom, dancing again, with no more pain.”

Photo: gunter.nezhoda / Facebook

"There was nothing else the doctors could do," Rene continued. "I’m only making this video because a lot of you connected with my dad. My dad was one of the guys on Storage Wars that never really got any hate. People just loved being around him, the crew and everybody loved working with him."

Photo: gunter.nezhoda / Facebook

Gunter, originally from Vienna, Austria, relocated to Germany and resided in Frankfurt for a decade. In 1990, he made another move, this time to Las Vegas. During his time in Europe, Gunter developed his diverse skills and also became a father to his son, Rene, who developed an interest in antique collection at the age of 11.

Photo: gunter.nezhoda / Facebook

Although Gunter was famous in a few circles, he built his biggest fan club yet from his appearances on ‘Storage Wars,’ beginning in Season 8 (2015)

Image: Storage Wars, A&E

Rene, who was truly passionate about antiques and bidding on storage containers, began on the show with his wife Casey in season four. They became main buyers by season five. He eventually came up with the brilliant idea to bring on his dad.

Image: Storage Wars, A&E

While Gunter originally didn’t know much about the world of ‘Storage Wars’ auctions, he provided some much-needed comic relief. The love the father and son shared was also sweet to watch on the screen.

Image: Storage Wars, A&E

For instance, in one episode, Gunter tried on some of the clothes found in the storage room and reminisces about the days of Woodstock. He cheekily refused to talk about drug use and said seriously that rockstars must embrace their feminine side.

Image: Storage Wars, A&E

Gunter's distinctive hairstyle hinted at his rockstar qualities. He also possessed remarkable talent as a bass guitarist and performed alongside renowned musicians such as Pat Travers, Leslie West, Michael Schenker, George Lynch, Kevin Dubrow, and numerous others.

Photo: gunter.nezhoda / Facebook

Gunter was also a talented photographer, with his shots used by companies like Microsoft, Big-O Tires, and Ford They appeared in countless magazines and ads. "His portraits are known for their high impact and the capability of Gunter to get any expression on a client’s face he wants too, and always clicks in the right moment," according to IMBD.

Image: @GunterNezhoda / YouTube

A total renaissance man, Gunter was an actor too. From 2009 onwards, he appeared in several movies. He was a European Gang Member in ‘I Am Here… Now,’ a German on a cellphone in ‘Astro Zombies,’ a magician in ‘Ice Princess’ and played Max in the horror flicks ‘Do Not Disturb’ and ‘The Haunting at Deah Valley Junction.’

Photo: gunter.nezhoda/ Facebook

His time on ‘Storage Wars’ inspired him to get deeper into the world of antiquing. For the last few years, he’s created his own YouTube accounts, where he gives tips on bidding for storage lockers, earning more on Ebay, and going to garage sales like a pro.

Image: @GunterNezhoda / YouTube

Upon hearing of Gunter’s death, his fans were genuinely sad. "I loved your Dad’s big personality and spirit. Those episodes were my favorite,” wrote user Andrea Clayton on Rene's post. "I have followed your career for decades! So much great music from you throughout the years! Not to mention your unique sense of humor! I'm going to miss you my friend!" wrote Hippie Rpaq on Gunter's Facebook.

Photo: gunter.nezhoda/ Facebook

"Anybody that knows my dad knows he’s laughing somewhere right now because he’s a rock star, and he loves the attention," said Rene laughing. "Every time anyone wrote an article, he’d always ask, ‘what did they say about me?’ It’s been hard, but a lot of people have been sharing stories. It’s life, but my dad would want us to go on... He’s a fri ckin’ legend."

Photo: gunter.nezhoda / Facebook