Shirley Gunderson

Shirley Ruth Jane Gunderson, 91, passed away on Tuesday December 8, 2020 at Essential Health- St Mary’s in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Shirley was born on June 23rd, 1929 to Albert & Louise Dumin of Providence, R.I. She graduated high school in the class of 1947. Shirley met LeRoy “Gundy” Gunderson while he was in the Navy and they married on July 1st, 1949.  In the early years of marriage they had a busy life with 4 young children in Rhode Island.

Seeking to find a quieter life style to raise their new family they moved from the east coast to Gundy’s home town of Detroit Lakes in 1961. As the kids grew into their teens, Shirley went from homemaker to bookkeeper for a couple of local firms.  As the kids grew up and started to move away, Shirley wanted to expand her horizon’s and got her LPN certification.  She then worked as a nurse for Emanual Nursing Home for the next 25 years until she retired.

Throughout her life Shirley loved to bake and sew.  At first making wedding cakes and wedding dresses for many local friends.  Later she expanded to make costumes for Playhouse 412 and for our high school plays.  She spent many, many hours researching, designing and sewing costumes for a host of local productions.  She was always very proud of her work, and very proud of the many talented people in the plays.

Her family meant the world to her, especially spending time with her grandkids and great grandkids.  She was also a lifelong member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and could always be counted on to help with activities.

Deeply loved, Shirley’s passing will be mourned by her children LeRoy (Vicki) Gunderson Jr, Steve (Jan) Gunderson, Gary (Sheri) Gunderson, and Sandy Gunderson. Her Grandchildren Trisha Pass, Erin (Ben) Davison, Tony Gunderson, Sierra Gunderson, Meghan (Brian Robertson), and Courtney Gunderson, her great grandchildren Christopher, Brad, Doug, Maija, and Laura; and her Brother Herbert (Bud)Dumin.

She is preceded in death by her husband LeRoy "Gundy", her parents, her siblings Barbara Krevis and Morris (Earl) Dumin, and her foster daughter Kelly Wall.

The world is a lesser place with her passing.