Michael Jerome Gunderson

Mike was born on April 17, 1943 in Turtle Lake, North Dakota to Gunder and Clara Gunderson. He grew up in Turtle Lake and later attended North Dakota State University, where he earned his degree in mechanical engineering.

Following graduation, Mike’s career took him across the country. He first moved to Seattle, Washington, where he worked for Boeing, and later to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he worked on nuclear submarines. In time, he returned to Washington, settled in the Yakima area and made a home in Selah, where he continued his engineering career at the Hanford Nuclear Plant.

Mike and his wife, Linda, raised their three boys in Selah. There were always family adventures, including happy days traveling in their fifth wheel around the country and exploring the mountains.

Mike retired in 2000 to care for Linda during her battle with cancer.

During his years in the Yakima area, Mike was active in his community and was a member of several organizations, including Sons of Norway and Knights of Columbus.

Mike embraced retirement with enthusiasm. A lifelong lover of the outdoors and a long-time member of The Cascadians, he met his wife Sue through the club, and the two went on to share many excursions together. They spent much of their time hiking, biking, skiing, and traveling the world. He also enjoyed a good round of golf whenever he could. Above all, Mike was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy was bringing his family together around the table for a good meal and conversation.

Mike is survived by his wife Sue Gunderson, his brother Rob Gunderson, his sons Grant Gunderson, Thor (Christina) Gunderson, and Drew Gunderson; and grandchildren Stian (son of Grant), Audrey and Linda (daughters of Thor). He is also survived by his stepchildren Amy (Patrick) Harrington and Julie Kuchtyn, and their children: Brennan, Ryan and Meghan (children of Amy) and Kyle and Danika (children of Julie).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Gunderson (mother of his children) in 2001; as well as his parents, Gunder and Clara Gunderson, and his brother, Tom Gunderson.

A memorial service will be held on April 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Cathedral Chapel in Yakima, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to one of the following organizations: The Sjögren’s Foundation, Rod’s House Yakima, or St. Paul Cathedral, Diocese of Yakima.