Harold M. Gunderson

Harold Matthew Gunderson or "Gundy", born June 26, 1934, died December 28, 2021. Harold was born in Hurley, South Dakota, to Herman Emil Gunderson and Christine Knutson Gunderson, the youngest in a family of 9 children. He grew up in rural South Dakota, learning how to farm and be kind to others. Harold graduated from Parker High School, and went off to Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, where he met his future wife, Shirley Eichhorn. They graduated together from Augustana and married in 1957. Harold continued his education at Creighton University where he graduated from Anesthesia school and began his career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Harold and Shirley had three daughters, Teri, Susan and Wendy. Harold served in the U.S. Army from 1965-1968 at the Ft. Wolters hospital in Mineral Wells, Texas. The family lived in several places before settling in Yankton, SD in 1973. While continuing as a nurse anesthetist, Harold also began a storage business and brought racquetball to Yankton, opening The Court House in 1979. He later sold the businesses and in 1986 moved to Harlingen, Texas.

Harold was always active in his Lutheran Church, in every place he lived, serving on the Board of Deacons in Yankton and as treasurer in Harlingen. He was a fabulous father, always in attendance at every school event where his daughters participated. He had the patience of Job when teaching their friends how to water ski all those afternoons at Lewis & Clark Lake. Harold and Shirley spent summers in Minnesota caring for their grandchildren, Anna and Henry.

He was a wonderful husband to Shirley, caring for her for many years as dementia attacked her. The two moved to San Antonio, TX in 2018 to get more support for Shirley, and to be closer to family. Harold continued to be active in his community, serving on committees and helping others.

He hurt his back in early 2021 which slowed him a bit. He had surgery in September, but recovery was slow. In December he was diagnosed with cancer and chose not to have treatment. He left us December 28, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman & Christine Gunderson, and siblings Marvin, Harvey, Russ, Lee, Jerome, Lois Kraemer, Eunice Otto Duerkson, and Katherine (Kay) Wieman. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley, his three daughters and their husbands Teri (Dwight Nelson), Susan (Philip Kazen) and Wendy (Rodney Yoshida), two grandchildren, Anna Nelson and Henry Nelson, sisters-in-law Helen Gunderson and Myrna Eichhorn, and dozens of nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and hundreds of friends.

Harold was a kind man who saw the good in everyone. He loved with his whole heart and lived life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Harolds home state of South Dakota. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 602 Morgan Blvd., Harlingen, TX, 78550 or the charity of the donors choice.