Loren Gunderson

Loren Gunderson, 89 year-old resident of Upsala, MN passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at St. Otto’s Care Center in Little Falls. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Upsala with Rev. Trisha Jorgenson officiating. Burial will take place in the Elmdale Lutheran Cemetery in Elmdale. Friends may call from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday and from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel. Loren was born on July 4, 1923 in Swan River Township to the late Knute and Minnie (Nelson) Gunderson. He was raised on the family farm north of Elmdale and attended District 25 County School, north of Elmdale and then the Little Falls High School until 10th grade. Loren drove truck for Elmdale Shipping Association and also worked for Consolidated Breeders. In 1950, he purchased a farm half-way between Upsala and Elmdale. Loren was united in marriage to Helen Johnson on January 25, 1951 in Minneapolis. The couple dairy farmed and raised pigs until his retirement in 1989. Helen passed away on September 3, 1990 and Loren married Delores Knoll on July 11, 1992. The couple moved into Upsala and he continued to help out on the family farm by driving tractor and giving "advice." He was a volunteer driver for Morrison County Social Services for 20-years. Delores passed away on July 3, 2001. Loren enjoyed going to town for coffee, attending auctions, going to Bowlus for a “Loren” burger, and sitting outside the shop on his special tractor seat watching the activity on the farm. He took great pride in his grandchildren whom he loved very much. Loren is survived by children, Ruthie Frie and husband Elmer of Upsala, MN; Lee and wife Cheryl of Dawson, MN; Keith (Charlie) and wife Beth; David and wife Patricia, Alan (Fred) and wife Tina, all of Upsala and sister, Ardis Borgstrom of Little Falls, MN; 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Loren was preceded in death by parents, Knute and Minnie (Nelson) Gunderson; wives, Helen and Delores; daughter, Lois Gunderson; brothers, Glen and Wesley Gunderson; and sisters, Shirley Lautt and Carol Hewitt. The Family of Loren Gunderson greatly appreciates your expressions of sympathy during this difficult time. Thank you for your kindness. No thank you cards will be sent.

Tributes

Loren Gunderson

July 4, 1923 - April 23, 2013