Olivia "Livi" Gunderson

Olivia "Livi" Rose Gunderson unexpectedly passed away on December 4 in Los Angeles, CA after a sudden decline in her health. Livi was born in Fargo, ND on April 16, 2004 blessing her parents Mike and Jeni Gunderson. After 3 years, the Gunderson family moved to Detroit Lakes. As a little girl Livi was full of life and joy. She always had an energy about her that attracted all of us to her. At just 18, Livi's ambitious spirit led her to California to pursue her love of music. Her passion and determination for music fueled her soul. Livi had the most beautiful singing voice and the natural talent to write lyrics and to play piano, guitar and drums when recording her own songs. She had an inherent knowledge that music was who she was and was called to do it.

Although she spent most of her time making music, Livi loved the nature of Minnesota. She loved every season. Whether it was a barefoot bike ride around the lake with her sisters, nature walks, being in the water, horse-riding, ice skating, skiing, or four wheeling at the shack, she enjoyed the outdoors in solitude and with those close to her. She also enjoyed caring for and loving any animal or critter.

To know Livi was to love her. She loved so deeply and with extreme empathy. Being in her presence brought comfort, peace, laughter, and irreplaceable memories. Olivia always found a way to understand and to provide true unconditional love. She had the gift of really "seeing" people and who they really were and would do anything for anyone. Livi was wise beyond her years; an old soul who said she was born in the wrong generation. She was undeniably beautiful inside and out. Her sudden passing has left a huge hole in the hearts of those close to her. We will always remember the way she made us feel and will miss this immensely. She was truly one of the special ones, and we have no doubt she is helping many more and was called home to do so much more.

Olivia is survived by her parents, Mike and Jennifer Gunderson and her siblings: Max, Sophie, Grace, Avery and bonus sister and dear friend, Eleni Schmitz. Grandparents: Ruth and Charles Gunderson and Chuck and Jeri Jost. Many aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved Livi dearly.

The visitation for Livi will be Thursday, December 14, 2023 from 5-7 pm at DAVID-DONEHOWER FUNERAL HOME (609 US HWY 10 E., Detroit Lakes, MN 56501). Funeral service will be 11 AM, Friday, December 15, at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH (912 Lake Avenue, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501) with Pastor Dan Abrahams officiating. Final rest will be private. 

David-Donehower Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information, please visit DavidDonehower.com or call (218) 847-4147.