Charles Gunderson

Charles David Gunderson, known to many as "Gundy" or "Heavy C", died Saturday, June 22, 2024 after visits from Ruth, their children and spouses, and many of their grandchildren, ending his journey with Parkinson's and dementia. Our hearts mourn the loss, but know his pain and confusion are gone. He was likely met by his canine companions Koko, Teenah, and Mahlee ready to play ball.

Charles was born Christmas Day 1945 in Hawley, MN to Mabel (Knudson) and Stanley Gunderson. He attended school in Hawley, graduating in 1963. He received a teaching degree from Moorhead State College in 1967. During high school and college, Charles helped on neighboring farms, hauled milk to the creamery, and worked at the Phillips 66 station. He taught 5th and 6th grades at Charles Lindbergh School in Little Falls, MN. Charles married Ruth Schultz on December 27, 1969. They both taught elementary school in Little Falls, MN.

In 1977, the family moved to Detroit Lakes to help Ruth's parents with Schultz Garage & Bus Co. Gundy will be remembered for many things including coaching Little League baseball (Go Indians), being part of the football "Chain Gang" and Laker Booster Club, following the Fighting Sioux/Hawks football teams, driving his Dad's John Deere tractors, showing the Corvairs as a member of the 412 Antique Car Club, and being the chief cookie taster. For decades Charles, with family and friends, searched the waters of Big Detroit Lake for any fish that would bite, often relying on his Muskie Call and his Dad's lucky horseshoe.

Gundy was a proud Grandpa and attended as many of his grandchildren's events as possible. If you visited with him, you would hear about his grandchildren's accomplishments. He will be remembered for his laugh, his jokes and stories, and his amazing dancing ability. He was generous, hardworking and dedicated to his family.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Mabel and Stanley Gunderson; his sister, Dorothy Miller; and his granddaughter, Olivia Gunderson.

Survivors include Ruth; Mike and Jeni Gunderson, Max (Megan Thune), Sophia, Grace, and Avery Gunderson; Erik and Emily Gunderson, Maci, Teagan, Rhett, and Kolt Gunderson; Amy and Mike Summers, Brynn, Emery, and Kinsley Summers; his brother Ted (Marlyss) Gunderson, Gerald, David, Brian Gunderson and their families; brother-in-law Dunnell Miller, DeeAnn, Charles, Daniel, and Christine and their families; sisters-in-law Karol (Dave) Bruggeman, Kate and Hannah; Mary Schultz; Ginny (Bruce) Imholte, Phil, Kyle, Greta and their families; and numerous relatives and friends from far and near.

The family would like to thank Bethany Homes and Ethos Hospice teams for their compassionate care of Gundy.

Celebration of Gundy's life will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 3 at Zion Lutheran Church (1100 Lake Ave, Detroit Lakes). A visitation will be held at David-Donehower Funeral Home (609 US Hwy 10 E, Detroit Lakes) on Tuesday, July 2 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM with a time of sharing at 6:30 PM.

Please join the family for lunch and fellowship following the service. Burial will be in the Hawley Cemetery at a later time. The family thanks you for your expressions of sympathy.