Obituary of Gordon Gunderson

GUNDERSON - Gordon Elmer Gunderson was born on November 5, 1928 to Thor and Asborg Gunderson. Asborg's maiden name was Thompson. Both Thor and Asborg were descendants of pioneer families who homesteaded in this part of the province. According to his birth certificate, Gordon was born in the Mistawasis District on his Gunderson's grandparent's homestead. Gordon's mom, Asborg died in 1937, when Gordon was about 9 years old. Shortly thereafter, Thor's mom, Ingeborg invited Thor and children, Anna, Gordon and Inez to live with them on the homestead. Following Jacob and Ingeborg's death's, Thor remained on the homestead. Gordon took over the family farm and spent most of his life there. His was a simple life, and he farmed simply. Some of us may have wondered about him sometimes but he lived his life the way he believed his Lord and Master would want him to do. He held on to his earthly goods lightly. On September 11, 1998, just over 9 years ago, Gordon was brutally attacked by intruders at the farm home. Later that week he had a stroke. Following these incidents, Gordon relocated first to a motel in Shellbrook and then to a duplex unit in Parkside where he was residing at the time of his death. He traveled back to the farmhouse almost daily. Gordon wrote out the story of his attack. In conclusion, he quotes from the Bible, "Matthew 5:16 says, but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" and then he states, "while I will never forget this incident, I have chosen to forgive". That's the attitude that Gordon exemplified throughout his entire life. He was a quiet, reserved and private individual. He was a man of few words. When asked how he was feeling, his response was always "good enough". Gordon suffered with health problems for some time. He never complained, and he never wanted to bother others. Gordon was an accomplished musician who could play the organ, piano, accordion and guitar. He loved hearing the old hymns played and sung. Gordon passed away very peacefully on September 26, 2007 in the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert. One of the nurses said later, "He was such a nice man". We can all remember Gordon that way. He was predeceased by; his parents, Thor and Asborg (nee: Thompson) Gunderson, his grandparents, Jacob (Ingeborg) Gunderson and Abraham (Annie) Thompson, his sisters, Anna Gunderson and Inez Gunderson, his three infant siblings, his aunts and uncles; Gunder (Asborg) Gunderson, Albert (Annette) Thompson, Arthur (Thora) Halvorson, Ted (Julia) Bergerson, Tom (Martha) Thompson, Peter Gunderson, Gunder Thompson, Jacob (Selma) Thompson and Arthur (Ruth) Thompson. Gordon leaves to mourn his passing; numerous cousins in the Gunderson and Thompson families, his Church family and many dear friends. The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the Mont Nebo Evangelical Free Church where Gordon had served as treasurer for many years. The officiants were Pastors Bill Klumpenhower and Glenn Gerbrandt. The Eulogist was Terry Gunderson. The Pianist was Elaine Heinbigner and special music on the accordion by Ed Dyck. The Honorary Pallbearers were "All of Gordon's family and friends who knew and loved him." The Active pallbearers were Morley Rudolph, Grant Gunderson, Glenn Mezzo, Rick Gunderson, Joe Brad, Glen Steffen. In lieu of other tributes memorial donations may be made to the Evangelical Free Church or Aaseral Cemetery Fund. E-mail condolences may be sent to www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Beau "Lac" Funeral Home of Shellbrook was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.