Obituary for David W. Gunderson

David (Dave) Warren Gunderson, 68, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly November 19th, 2022, at home from cardiac arrest.

Dave was born in St. Paul, MN on June 16th, 1954, son of the late Richard and Mary Jane Gunderson. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jill, son Michael (Michelle) Gunderson, daughter Christine (Chase) Marshall, and brothers Scott, Vince (Bev) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dave grew up in St. Paul and attended Transfiguration Catholic Elementary School, Hill-Murray High School, and after the family’s move to Iowa, he graduated from West Des Moines High School. During his high school years, he was well-known as a southpaw baseball pitcher and enjoyed working at his dad’s gas station in Inver Grove Heights. Dave learned a lot about cars and mechanical repairs which led to his decision to attend Hutchinson Vocational Technical Institute where he was certified in Motorcycle Mechanics. He was employed by Twin Cities Harley-Davidson and by Chopper City.

As a teenager, Dave saw his brothers get drafted into the Army, and although he was too young to join himself, his heart was always with his brothers—including sporting his brother's Army jacket in school. Later, he liked traveling cross country on his motorcycle, appreciating a good Harley-Davidson or sports car when he came across one.

In 1979, Dave married Jill Guggemos in Winsted, MN. They lived most of their lives in Brooklyn Park and were blessed with two children. During their early years of marriage, Dave and Jill enjoyed camping trips throughout the Midwest. Dave also spent many summers playing softball with his buddies and was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings.

Dave was employed by NSI Griswold for 20 years, and also worked in the food and beverage industry as a Service Technician. In recent years he was recognized and celebrated for over 22 years of service with PepsiCo. Dave was dedicated to his career and his work ethic was admirable, characteristics which he passed along to his children.

Dave was a devoted husband and doting father. He enjoyed many family vacations Up North as well as venturing to South Dakota, California, and Disney World. He always looked forward to spending time with his extended family. From lake houses to New Orleans to Florida beaches, Dave loved every opportunity to be in the sun and away from the snow. He valued his independence throughout the years and was the go-to “handyman” for his kids, especially when they became homeowners. From the earliest Macintosh computers to the newest laptops and security devices, Dave appreciated great gadgets. He was a favorite to his grand-dogs and cat: Russo, Marco, and Nino.

Dave had a love for vintage sports cars and motorcycles, as well as military history and artifacts. He liked to fish, and was proud of his Norwegian heritage and his gardening skills—he was especially excited with his success in growing a variety of tomatoes, which he was happy to share with family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 1st at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 7025 Halifax Avenue North, Brooklyn Center, MN. Visitation begins at 10:00 am prior to the service. A catered luncheon follows the service, and family as well as friends are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family. Private inurnment to follow at a later date.

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"Fra jord er du kommet, tiljordskal du bli, og av jordskal du atter oppstå"

"Of earth have you come, to earth you shall become, and from earth you shall again rise"

Enfamiliesom holder sammen, er uovervinnelig

“A family that sticks together, is invincible"