Merrill Gunderson

Merrill Gunderson, 78, passed away on January 15 at the LaPaz Regional Hospital in Parker Arizona.

Merrill was born May 12 1931 to James and Kathryn (Wilson) Gunderson at Wessington Springs, SD. where he grew to manhood. He was married to Dakota Knigge on May 8, 1954. To this union 4 children were born. They lived and farmed in Jerauld Co., South Dakota until 1965 when they moved to Michigan and from there to Montana and on to Washington State in 1968. His life long occupation was farming with some construction work and long distance trucking added. He served in the US Army from 1952-1954 during the Korean Conflict. He retired in 1995 from farming and after his wife retired they enjoyed the “snowbird” life wintering in Arizona and go where ever in the Summer months.

He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 55 years, Dakota; two sons Randy and Dana; two daughters Rhonda and Sonja. 8 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren; 7 great grandkids all in Washington state. One sister, Gayle Cranston of Huron, SD. Many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Burial was in Salem Lutheran Cemetery in rural Wessington Springs.