Ellen Gunderson

Ellen P. Gunderson, 86, died Thursday, December 10, 2015 at her home in Hawley, MN.

Ellen Pearl Johnson was born December 14, 1928 at Cook, MN to Laurive and Aili Jacobson Johnson. She grew up and attended school in Cook. On August 31, 1947 she married Palmer Gunderson in Virginia, MN. They made their home in Cook and their first three children were born there. Later they moved to Kingston, MN where they resided for 2 years. In 1954 they moved to Hawley where the remaining three children were born. Ellen worked at various businesses in Hawley, including Carl’s Lefse, Hawley Bakery, and the Hovelsrud senior home. Palmer died August 28, 1970 and Ellen continued to live in their home in Hawley until her death.

While raising their children, Ellen was a leader for Campfire Girls and Cub Scouts and she also taught Sunday school. She enjoyed playing Bingo, gardening, arts and crafts, sewing, and traveling to various casinos.

Ellen is survived by her children, Aili Vasseur, Hawley, Judy Gary Lunder, Fargo, Robert Gail Gerrich Gunderson, Fargo, Edward Sandy Gunderson, Park Rapids, MN, Larry Gunderson, Hawley, and James Becky Kiehl Gunderson, Moorhead; brother, Arnie Johnson, Cook, MN; sister-in-law, Doris Johnson, Cook, MN; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brothers Jack, Walter and Bob Johnson and 2 granddaughters.