Mildred J. Gunderson

Mildred Jeanette (Olson) Gunderson, 98, a resident of the Broen Home, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls.

She was born on August 13, 1917, near Dalton in Tordenskjold Township, Ottertail County, the daughter of Iver and Marie (Nelson) Olson. She completed eighth grade in rural school District 20 and graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1935. She was baptized, confirmed, and a lifelong member at Tordenskjold Lutheran Free Church.

Following high school, Mildred worked for several years in Minneapolis as a nanny and also worked for a time at the Children’s Home. She loved caring for babies.

On August 23, 1941, she married Gilbert Gunderson. They were able to enjoy fifty-five years of marriage. They farmed in the Dalton area for many years and Mildred always enjoyed helping on the farm. They traveled to many areas including, Norway, Denmark, Hawaii and Alaska, and loved the trips.

She moved to Riverbend in Fergus Falls, in November of 1996, so she could be close to Gilbert who was in the hospital. He passed away in December of 1996. In June of 2014, Mildred moved to Mill Street Residence and resided there until October 15, 2015, when she moved to the Broen Home.

Mildred was an active member of Tordenskjold Church, where she helped in many different areas, as long as her eyes permitted. She drove to church until she was 90. She also worked for a time as a census taker in her township. Mildred enjoyed hosting company and always wanted to be sure no one left her house hungry!

In the past few years, Mildred’s eyes didn’t permit her to do everything she wanted to do, but she managed to stay cheerful and seldom complained. She had many friends through the years and always enjoyed helping other people. She enjoyed making afghans and embroidering dishtowels, and many were recipients of her handiwork. She always liked to keep her hands busy and liked to play cards.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Iver and Marie Olson; her husband, Gilbert Gunderson.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Harold) Petersen of Murdock; a son, Glen (Debby) Gunderson of Dalton; six grandchildren, Lynn (John) Suter of Murdock, Keith Petersen of Aberdeen, SD, Kyle (Paula) Petersen of Murdock, Dena (Brandon) Barker of Lacey, WA, Darin (Katie) Gunderson of Dalton and Dani (Paul) DeCock of Kennesaw, GA; thirteen great-grandchildren, Kelli (Andy) Maurer of St. Cloud, Britta Suter of Golden Valley, Cody Suter of Murdock, Anya and Lance Essendrup of Atwater, Dalton and Chase Petersen of Aberdeen, SD, Brett and Hunter Petersen of Murdock, Brady, Hannah and Ben Barker of Lacey, WA, and Griffin and Sawyer Gunderson of Dalton; two great-greatgrandchildren, Oliver Mauer of St. Cloud and Owen Essendrup of Atwater; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation: 4:30-6:30 PM, Friday, November 20, 2015, at the Olson Funeral Home with a public prayer service at 6:30 and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 10:30 AM Saturday, November 21, 2015, at Tordenskjold Free Lutheran Church in rural Underwood
Clergy: Reverend Mark Johnson
Interment: Tordenskjold Lutheran Free Cemetery in rural Underwood
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls