Morgan A. Gunderson

Morgan Allan Gunderson was born September 21, 1922 in Pelican Rapids, MN, to Edwin and Petra Mathilda Anderson Gunderson. Morgan's mother died six weeks after he was born and Morgan was then raised by his grandmother, Thea. Morgan spent his younger years working on his farm and later working on a threshing team with his brothers and Dad. In 1944, he entered the Army. Morgan saw his military service as one of the most important accomplishments of his life. He served in the Philippines clearing caves and fighting in the mountains. After the surrender, Morgan spent the remainder of the war in Japan driving jeep for a doctor giving vaccinations. He loved to tell stories about bringing candy to the Japanese children and drinking Japanese beer and getting into trouble. After he got back from the war, Morgan met his future wife, Mae. They were married in 1949 and their son, Mick, was born the following year. Morgan spent many years working for Melland Pontiac and Heimark Brothers Garages as an auto mechanic and then another 25 years delivering fuel for Cenex. He retired in 1990. Morgan loved to work with his hands and he was especially proud of the tractors and go-carts he built. He spent hours working in the garage with his son. He built an amazing room-sized model railroad layout. Morgan also enjoyed building birdhouses. One of his birdhouses was featured on the front of the local phonebook. Morgan died July 18, 2008, after a brief battle with lung cancer. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Clifford Gunderson, Harry Gunderson and Ernie Gunderson; and his sisters, Violet Nelson, Doris Haugen and Evelyn Holm. Morgan is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mae Norman Gunderson, Hawley, MN; one son, Mick Gunderson, Cedar Rapids, IA; two granddaughters, Letia Charles Blanco, Denton, TX, and Alida Ogren-Gunderson, Cedar Rapids, IA; one sister, Louise Floyd Martell, Austin, MN; and many nieces and nephews.