Dennis H. Gunderson

Dennis' Life

Dennis Hagner Gunderson, age 64, of Woodville, passed away from cancer on September 17, 2011 at his home in Baldwin Township. He was the son of Hagner and Linda (Robole) Gunderson, born December 1, 1946 in Wilson, Wisconsin. Dennis was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church.

Dennis graduated from Baldwin-Woodville High School in 1965. He was drafted into the US Army in 1966 and was stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1967.

Dennis was united in marriage to Bonnie Thompson in 1970 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They were blessed with a daughter, Laurel. She has brought great happiness and inspiration into their lives.

Dennis worked construction for Clarence DeSmith and eventually for his father, Hagner. Dennis and Hagner formed a partnership in 1976. Together, with a crew, they did commercial work, barn work, and home construction and remodeling. Dennis bought the construction business from Hagner in 1988 and continued working until his recent illness.

Dennis thoroughly enjoyed being surrounded by his family and friends. He was a loving and caring husband. He especially cherished his role as father and grandfather. His happiest moments were spent with his grandsons, providing them with opportunities and watching them learn. He was a kind and patient man, and an excellent teacher. He had a great sense of humor and loved a practical joke. He never pretended to be something he wasn't.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Hagner, mother, Linda, sister, Janet Roatch, and sister-in-law, Bonnie Gunderson.

Dennis is survived by wife, Bonnie, daughter, Laurel (Jeff) VanSomeren, grandsons, Alex and Christopher VanSomeren, all of Hudson, brothers, Lyle (Sonja) of Baldwin, Auldin of Roberts, sisters, Gloria Schulte of Baldwin, Carolyn Serier of Woodville, Kathy Lundquist of Burnsville, MN, Kay (Arlyn) Pax of Menomonie, Patty (Gary) Fern of Baldwin, and Amy (John) Betchwars of Hudson, brother-in-law Lamoine Roatch of Whitehall, WI., brother-in-law, Calvin (Connie) Thompson of Fridley, MN, sister-in-law, Arliss (Stephen) Willis of Sausalito, CA, brother-in-law, Roy David (Stephanie) Thompson of North St Paul, MN, and sister-in law, Joyce (Denis) Rockman of Black River Falls, WI; Exchange student daughter, Johanna Blanca (Juan Carlos) Cuestas, and children, JC, Johanna Marie, Jacqueline, and John Paul of Spring, TX, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Pall bearers will be Delmer Blegen, Bruce Erickson, Chuck Gregg, Harold Grotenhuis, Terry Shafer, and Karl Sorenson.

Visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, Woodville, WI. on Wednesday, Sept 21 from 4-8 p.m. and on Thursday for one hour prior to the service at church. Funeral services will be held at Zion on Thursday, September 22 at 11:00 with Rev. Keith Anderson officiating. Special music will be provided by grandsons Alex and Christopher. Judy Albrightson will be organist. Burial will be at Lone Pine Cemetery, Woodville, WI.

Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley handled arrangements.