Services for Nels Gunderson

Nels Gunderson, 89, of Bagley, MN, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2019 at his home in Bagley, MN with his family by his side.
 
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Bagley, MN with Pastor Mark Olson officiating.  Visitation will be on Friday, October 4, 2019 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the Cease Family Funeral Home Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Bagley City Cemetery. 
 
Nels was born on February 26, 1930 in Reliance, South Dakota, the fifth child of Gustav and Emma (Monson) Gunderson.  He was baptized on August 10, 1930 in Reliance, SD.  In May of 1933, the family moved to Minnesota near Jenkins.  They farmed near Jenkins and Pequot Lakes.  In March of 1942, the family moved to a farm southwest of Bagley. Nels enlisted in the United States Army in May of 1955.  He honorably served our country until his discharge in 1957.  Nels then entered the Army Reserves and was fully discharged in 1963.  Nels married Shirley Sorensen on May 31, 1958 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at Ebro Corner, rural Bagley, where he was confirmed on December 16, 1958.  After the Military, Nels formed a farming partnership with his brother Iver.  For many years they milked cows, raised pigs, sheep, and beef cattle.  After selling the milk cows, they kept their beef cattle.  Nels and Iver farmed together until officially retiring in 2000.  They sold the farm in 1999, and Nels and Shirley bought a home in the town of Bagley. Besides farming, Nels loved woodworking.  Because of his passion for woodworking, Nels built a wood shop at their new place.  He learned to refurnish and build furniture and built and refinished many pieces of furniture for his family, his friends, the Bagley High School Theater and the Faith Lutheran Church.  Nels’ preference was to work with Oak.  Nels and Shirley had many opportunities to travel, taking bus tours to numerous states in America.  Nels was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, and he served as the Town Board Supervisor in LaPrairie Township. He was on the Board of Directors at the Bagley Co-op, and was a Clearwater County Extension Office Board Member.  In 1997, Nels and Shirley received the Clearwater County Valley Farmer and Homemaker Award, an honor they shared with Nels’ brother Iver and his wife Alice.  Most importantly, Nels loved his family.  He was very proud of his girls, sons-in-law, and his grandchildren.  
 
He is survived by his wife – Shirley Mae (Sorensen) Gunderson of Bagley, MN
Daughter – Kathi (Doug) Sloan of Bagley, MN
Daughter – Nancy (Todd) Pearson of Fosston, MN
Daughter – Marilyn (Joel) Hood of Bagley, MN
Daughter – Judy (Scott) Morinville of Brooks, MN
Sister – Helen Norley of Big Fork, MN
Brother – Rollo (Lois) Gunderson of Virginia, MN
Sister – Doris Fultz of Bagley, MN
Brother – Iver (Alice) Gunderson of Bagley, MN
Grandchildren – Nick Sloan, Lindsey (Paul) Peterson, Leif (Kelly) Pearson, Reid (Miranda Leas) Pearson, Hillary (Tobin) Korpi, Katie (Zach) Larson, Andrea (Nick) Neeland, Steven (Kelsey) Morinville, Thomas Morinville and Mickala Morinville.
Great Grandchildren – Luuka Korpi, Quinn Korpi, Regan Morinville and two great grandchildren on the way, one being named Soren Robert.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlo (infant eldest brother), his in-laws – Axel and Adeline Sorensen, and his 5 brothers-in-law.   
 
Memorials preferred to Faith Lutheran Church, clearwater Hospice or Clearwater County Historical Society.
 
Messages of condolence may be sent to ceasefuneralhome.com
 

Richards Publishing

P.O. Box 159
239 2nd Ave
Gonvick, MN 56644
Telephone: (218) 487-5225
email: richards@gvtel.com

 

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