John Gunderson, 51

John Gunderson, age 51 of Northfield, passed away Sunday, July 15, 2012 at the Reflections Unit of the Three Links Care Center. Funeral Services will be 11:00 am Wednesday July 18th at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northfield with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7:00 pm Tuesday, July 17th at the Bierman Funeral Home and at the Church on Wednesday 1 hour prior to Services.

John Scott Gunderson was born July 4, 1961 in Northfield, son of Lester and Della (Sommers) Gunderson. His early childhood was spent on the family farm south of Northfield with his 4 older siblings helping with chores. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church and moved to Northfield with his family when he was 6 years old. His dad continued running the farm and throughout school John helped with the field work. Following his graduation from Northfield High School in 1980 he attended Faribault Area Votec for 2 years learning to become an Electronics Technician.

His first job was with IBM in Rochester where he worked for 14 years and on July 19, 1986 married Robin Watson. They were later divorced. In 1996 he started work with Premier Electric and in 2000 began with Advance Wireless in Lakeville where he worked for 11 ½ years. In April, 2012 he took a position with the State of North Dakota as a Telecommunications Technician but in May was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

When he began working in Lakeville he moved to the family farm house and in 2006 built a new home on the farm. His hobbies included many years as a ham radio operator, NASCAR races, and enjoyed anything John Deere including tractors, lawn mowers, models and clothing. He grew up fishing and boating with his family and began turkey hunting a few years ago. He was dedicated to his family and being part of their lives and often stopped at his parent’s house to help them with any tasks that needed to be done.

John Gunderson is survived by children Erica (Nathan) Lehman of Rochester, Matthew (Desirae) Gunderson of Northfield; grandson Lucas Gunderson; parents Lester and Della Gunderson of Northfield; siblings Joyce Gunderson of Guam, Carol (Gerry) Selter of San Jose, CA, Mary (Dwight) Holderfield of Pinehurst, NC, and David Gunderson and special friend Marion Johnson of Faribault.

Memorials to the St. John’s Radio Fund or the donor’s choice. Funeral arrangements by the Bierman Funeral Home of Northfield.