Gordon O. Gunderson

Gordon Gunderson was the fourth child born to Oscar and Johanna on October 29, 1927 in Chandler, MN.  His life of service to others began at the young age of 14, driving fellow students to school.

After graduating high school, Gordy attempted to join the Navy but found out he had a heart murmur. He helped with the farming while his two brothers were fighting World War II and later decided to pursue education and went to Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD.  A fateful trip to a dance in the Twin Cities led Gordy to meet the love of his life, Irene Stenerson.  As the Korean War progressed, despite the heart murmur, Gordy got drafted into the Army, which led to his honorable military service.  He learned how to repair sonar equipment on ships in New Jersey, where he and Irene lived for a year. Because the war ended, Gordy was reverted to Japan where he worked on ships.

Gordy and Irene eventually settled down in Brooklyn Center, MN to be near Irene's family.  They had four children, Barb Bridell-Thorpe (Elmer), Steve Gunderson, David Gunderson, and Paul Gunderson (Debbie); several grandchildren, Jennifer Schleif (Mitch), Bethany Bridell, Caitlyn Gunderson, Cassidy Gunderson, Missy Kittelson (Kurt), Tina Roemer, and Leslie Roemer; and several great grandchildren, Vinnie Bridell, Burton Schleif, Hazel Schleif, Evie Schleif, and Rowan Gunderson.

Gordy became a successful insurance agent with State Farm (Irene was his secretary from home for a time while the kids were at home with her, as well as in the office after the kids grew up).  He also spent time volunteering with many organizations, such as the Redmen, Lions Club, and Meals on Wheels.  He was a member of the Brooklyn Center Lions Club for over 50 years and delivered meals to those in need through Meals on Wheels until he was almost 90 years old!  He was also a devout Lutheran at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church and was even a charter member of the church.  In his later years, he drove folks with vision impairment to appointments, through the organization Oughta Sight.

When his wife Irene Gunderson, was diagnosed with Parkinson's, he became her full time caregiver until she passed away in 2016.  He remained in his home in Brooklyn Center, MN due to his tremendous inner strength and loving family that helped care for him.  Even at the age of 97, he was still taking neighborhood walks.

He will be deeply missed but his legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who all love him dearly.  Gordy is someone who lived a kind, loving, giving life and maintained his wonderful sense of humor into old age.

Funeral Service 11 AM Friday, August 8, 2025, at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church, 5929 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center, with visitation 10-11 AM at the church.  Interment Sunset Cemetery, Minneapolis.