Roger Gunderson

Roger A. Gunderson, age 72 of Atwater, passed away at his residence on Thursday, Nov. 26, from an apparent heart attack.

A celebration of Roger’s life will be from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Elk’s Lodge in Willmar.  Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  Interment will be at a later date at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery near Kandiyohi.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Roger Allen Gunderson was born on February 23, 1949, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of William and Eunice (Sordahl) Gunderson.  He grew up in Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School in 1967.  Following graduation, he moved to Minneapolis and was employed at Control Data.  On February 22, 1969, Roger was united in marriage to Mary Ann Tomashek and they made their home in Minneapolis.  In 1970, they moved to Milan and Roger became part owner of National Switch Repair.  In 1984, Roger furthered his education at Canby Tech earning certification as an electrician in 1986.  He was employed as an electrician in the Willmar area and retired in 2008.

Roger was a past member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kandiyohi and the I.B.E.W. Local #292 Union.  He was a current member of the Elk’s Lodge, Fraternal Order of Eagle’s and the American Legion Post.

Roger enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, shooting black powder, collecting guns and traveling, especially to all family rendezvous throughout the upper Midwest.

Roger will be best remembered for having an infectious smile, a big caring heart and positive attitude.  He rarely forgot anyone's name or face.

He is survived by his three sons, Chad (and Gail) Gunderson of Willmar, Brooks (and Melissa) Gunderson of Marlborough, NH., and Brandon (and Amy) Gunderson of St. Cloud; nine grandchildren, Elijah, Adeline, J.T., Brennen, Connor, Christian, Cora, Cambrie and Lincoln; one sister, Diane (and Doug) Madison of Willmar and his special friend, Brenda Negen of Willmar, besides other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary in 2007; daughter, Angie in 2011; and one brother, Gerald Gunderson.