MARY GUNDERSON
June 12, 1921 - February 16, 2021
Obituary
Our lives will forever be a little quieter - with a little less laughter and fewer words of kindness with the loss of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Mary Elise Gunderson, born June 12, 1921 in Chippewa Falls, WI passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.
She married William C Jones in 1941and became a widow when he gave his life fighting for our country in 1942, leaving his son William A Jones.
After marrying Douglas E. Gunderson, they raised their family in Menasha, Wisconsin. In 1952, they started their family business, Gunderson Cleaners and became active at St. Mary's Catholic Church along with various community activities. They were fortunate to spend their winters in Florida where they enjoyed a long retirement.
So many will be saddened by the loss of Mary with her kind sincere, entertaining and loving personality. Among the most deeply affected by her loss are her son Gary (Judy) Gunderson and daughter Johnette Gunderson. In addition are six grandchildren: Sara Gunderson, Douglas (Corrin) Gunderson, Gregory (Amy) Gunderson, Emily (Buck) Lossman, Elise (Brian) Echola Smith and Ethan Echola. She will also be sadly missed by her 11 great grandchildren.
Among her many dear friends, she had a deep bond with Janette Howard, Peg Pelishek and her constant caregiver and companion, Mary Degroot.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Douglas Gunderson, her parents, John and Vera Phalen and five siblings, Lucille Smith, Marguerite McEssy, Alvin Tandberg, Kathleen Hanson and John Phalen. Also preceding her were her son and daughter-in-law William and Mary Elizabeth Jones, and grandchildren Eric and Amy Jones.
A private family funeral mass was held on February 20 at St.Mary's Catholic Church in Menasha.
Due to COVID, a Memorial Mass and gathering will be held in Menasha during the summer where we can celebrate Mary.
Mary's memorial request is for donations being sent to the Doug and Mary Gunderson Family Fund c/o Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region at 4455 W. Lawrence Street Appleton, WI. 54914