Margaret K (Orvis) Gunderson

Margaret K (Orvis) Gunderson, of Rockford, IL passed on April 5, 2026, at the age of 91 in her home. She was born July 21, 1934 in Rockford, Illinois. Margaret was daughter of Clyde H. and Florence M. (Hood) Kessler.

She graduated West High School class of 1952. Margaret worked after high school for the Rockford Register-Republic and Rockford Morning Star.

Married George V. Orvis Jr June 11, 1954 until his death December 1, 1974.

In 1955, she and George visited her Aunt Betty and Uncle Charles in Oakland, California. They drove to California. She was sick most of the trip and later discovered she was pregnant. Margaret raised her four sons, helping husband George in his Fuller Brush business. She delivered products to homes mainly in Loves Park and North Park area, crossing the Riverside toll bridge many times a day with all her sons in the station wagon when off school. A hectic experience. Her brother Robert told her she paid a high percentage of tolls to pay the bridge off. She was a member of St John’s Church on West State until it closed. She helped in Cub Scouts for all four of her sons. She volunteered at their schools for events.

Margaret enjoyed trips with George to Fuller Brush events. She loved staying at the Wagon Wheel Resort in Rockton, Illinois. One trip to her Aunt Fern’s Resort in Eagle River, Wisconsin was special with her mother, brother, and family. Sundays after church would go to eat at Tuckwood Restaurant on W State owned by George and Ora Orvis. The four sons always kept her busy. She became very close with George's relatives.

After George was murdered December 1974 with her four sons aged 12 to 18 she found part time work plus Social Security survivor benefits to raise her family. She was hired full time at Sundstrand where she worked until her retirement August 16, 1991. She worked very hard as a widowed mother raising her sons.

Married Gerald Gunderson October 2, 1981 until his death February 19, 1999.

We will never forget her comment “Most of the time I’m asked out for a drink but Gerry asked me out for a hot fudge sundae”. Margaret and Gerry took a European trip they both enjoyed. She was exposed to the world of railroads and model railroading that eventually took up half of the basement. They took many trips to Nebraska. They both embraced the blended family.

Upon Gerry’s passing she reconnected with Cub/Boy Scout family friend, Darrell Rippon. They were beloved partners until his death, October 29, 2025.

They shared life together with support for each other. She enjoyed going square dancing with Darrell. Attending various events and family visits.

Margaret going through things as she always does to get organized fell off her desk chair at home. She was found December 23, 2025 by her son, Steve. She had been on the floor for over 2 days. She was brought to the hospital and then River Bluff for recovery but just wanted to go home. On March 19, 2026 she was able to go home. After preparing her home for her as fast as family could we feel fortunate that she made it home. She was out on Saturday, April 4 to a doctors appointment.

Margaret was very organized, she loved to paint later in her life. She loved her three Dachshunds and long haired German Shepherd. Loved going out to eat and visit with friends. On one occasion meeting her good friend Nancy for birthday celebration lunch, they both arrived on time but at two different restaurants.

Many family Thanksgivings and Christmases were spent in her home. She loved country décor and collected spoons from places she traveled to and that family would bring back from their travels. She loved to laugh, have a good time, and playing card games but liked to win. She sorted pictures and documents for all four of her sons and put them in memory boxes for them. She loved visiting with her grandchildren and phone calls. Remembering her laugh and good times but also her German disposition. She subscribed to many magazines, clipping articles for friends and family. She continued to receive the Rockford Register Star. She also enjoyed the birds in the backyard and sitting outside visiting people and the day. In her younger days she enjoyed sunbathing while the children played.

Margaret is survived by her sons, Bryan G. (Kim) Orvis, Gary A. (Nancy) Orvis, Steve M. Orvis, and Mike S. (Amy) Orvis; grandchildren, Bryan (Christyn Gerber) Orvis II in New Zealand, Benjamin Orvis, George (Sarah Rangel) Orvis, Robbie Orvis, Amanda (Dalen) McMillon, and Joshua Orvis; great-grandchildren, Leeland, Owen, and Wyatt.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, George Orvis and Gerald Gunderson; companion, Darrell Rippon; parents, Clyde and Florence Kessler; brother, Robert C. Kessler, granddaughters, Mindy and Chrissy Orvis; along with aunts and uncles.

A special thanks to the staff at River Bluff for helping Margaret to regain the strength to go home. Thank you to Forest City Domestic Caregivers Agency Inc and 24/7 care by Gitana Skutuliene.

Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115, US on April 16, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Funeral at 11:00 am. Committal will take place at Willwood Burial Park, 7000 West State Street, Rockford, Illinois 61102, US, on April 16, 2026, with final resting at Willwood Burial Park, 7000 West State Street, Rockford.

The family invites you to celebration luncheon to follow at Venetian Club 2180 Elmwood Rd, Rockford, Illinois 61103.