Russell L. Gunderson

Russell L. Gunderson died Friday, March 13, 2009 at Mercy Hospital of advanced heart disease. Russell was born Sept. 20, 1928 in rural Clintonville to Benjamin and Edna (Sayers) Gunderson. As one of fifteen children on a farm in northern Wisconsin, Russ learned independence early. He left Clintonville at age 17 to take the Farmers’ Short Course in Madison. He spent the next ten years traveling farm to farm testing milk, and later worked for the American Breeders Association. Russell married JoAnne Knox on May 8, 1954. Russ grew close to his in-laws, Elmer and Carrie Knox, who treated him as a son. Russ and JoAnne raised their eight children in the small house on Willard Ave. Russ taught his children to be kind to others, to love animals and to cry at sad movies, although he always said, “I must have something in my eye”. Russ worked at General Motors, retiring after thirty years so that he and JoAnne could travel. He enjoyed trips to Vegas and Alaska. As JoAnne’s health failed, Russ cared for her until her death on Feb. 13, 1997. On March 15, 1999, Russ married Nadine DeYoung and moved to 2110 Terrace St. Nadine died on Feb. 16, 2006. Russ enjoyed his Terrace St. home, especially the friendship of his neighbors, Jaymie and Andy Brown, and their children. Russ was a member of the Moose Lodge, where he celebrated his 80th birthday last September. He was so pleased to have all eight children home for that event. We’ll miss you Dad!. Russ is survived by his eight children, Susan (Paul) Millard, of Milton; Sherry (Patricia Baker) Gunderson, David (Madelyn) Gunderson, James (Kathy) Gunderson, Donald (Peggy) Gunderson, all of Janesville, Karen (Joanie Kanter) Gunderson, of Madison, Leigh Ann (Tom) Mathews, of Paulding, Ohio, and Mary Gunderson, of Stoughton; 12 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren; a step-daughter, Carol (Jim) Hendrickson, of Roscoe, Ill. and special friend, Shirley Hatcher, of Janesville. He is further survived by seven brothers and sisters, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held at ALL FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1618 E. Racine St., Janesville on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at noon with burial to follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials can be made to the Country Animal Haven, a cat rescue run by Russ’s daughter, Mary, or to Rock Haven Nursing Home. All Faiths Funeral Home is assisting the family. www.866allfaiths.com