Lloyd Henry Sunderman

Lloyd Henry Sunderman, 86, of Yuma, Arizona, passed away on August 7, 2025, after a brave battle against three significant illnesses. He leaves behind a legacy built on integrity, generosity, and a lifelong commitment to his faith, his family, and his community.

Lloyd was born October 31, 1938, on a farm outside of Clarinda, Iowa, to Emmett Joseph and Margaret Dorothia Sunderman. Lloyd grew up at Immanuel Lutheran Church, a church several of his German ancestors had started, and he attended the parochial school there through 8th grade. His upbringing in this faith community filled largely with his relatives, including his heavy participation and success in sports, was a strong part of his life and one he was always proud of. Further, he loved his years at Clarinda High School where he excelled in several sports, including lettering in both football and basketball.

Lloyd attended Iowa State College on scholarship majoring in Agricultural Engineering. He became an active member of Beta Sigma Psi, a Lutheran Fraternity, and stated, “I had never had so much fun in all my life.” He graduated from newly named Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in 1961. His career began in Phoenix where he held several insurance and accounting positions. He then moved to Wellton, AZ to take the Chief Accountant position with McElhaney Cattle Company, and then he opened his own Certified Public Accountant (CPA) practice. Later, he worked and moved to Yuma, where he became one of the area’s most respected CPAs. He was a partner in several CPA firms; Controller for H&S Developers, Inc. (the founder of the Fortuna Foothills); Controller for the Cocopah Tribal Council; and then started his own practice, Lloyd H. Sunderman, CPA PC. Over a decade later, he transitioned the practice to his son-in-law, as Sunderman & Pope, CPA, as part of semi-retirement, and then he fully retired in 2010.

Lloyd’s leadership extended far beyond his profession. He served as President of Christ Lutheran Church for 11 consecutive years, as well as an Elder for numerous years. He was President of Yuma Lutheran School and held varying other top leadership positions in civic and cultural organizations, such as Board of Directors for the Yuma Chamber of Commerce and their Chairman of Economic Development; Board of Directors for Yuma Crossing Park Council; Yuma Fine Arts Association; Caballeros de Yuma; and Kiwanis Club. He was a founding Chairman of the School Tuition Association of Yuma (STAY), where he remained Chairman Emeritus. He was named “Boss of the Year” by Yuma High School Cooperative Education Office. In recognition of his lifetime of service, Lloyd was honored by the Yuma Sun designating a “Lloyd Sunderman Recognition Day” in 2009. He was also honored by the Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Lois Fern Holman Sunderman; parents; and siblings, Harriett Howard and Bernadine Kirby Bailey. He is survived by their children Lloyd Joseph Sunderman, married to Letty Armenta Sunderman; Lisa Marie Sunderman, married to Daniel Joseph McCauley; and Michelle Cathleen Pope, married to Rex Allen Pope. Also, he is survived by his beloved five grandchildren Sarah Sunderman, Hannah Sunderman, Ryan Pope (Caitlyn Johnson Pope), Bailey Beres (Bence Beres), and Paige McCauley Morris (Micah Morris). His cherished four great-grandchildren are Elijah Beres, Augustine Beres, Lilia Beres, and newly born Jonah Morris.

Those who knew Lloyd will remember his steady presence, his quick wit, and the pride he took in his family and faith. He was loved and admired by many.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 21st, beginning with a viewing at 6:30 p.m. and followed by a funeral service at 7 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church (Gymnasium), 2555 S. Engler Avenue, Yuma, AZ. A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, August 22nd, at 9 a.m. at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1415 S. 1st Ave., Yuma, AZ. Plans are being made for a live-streamed funeral and recording.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Christ Lutheran Church “Hymnal Fund” for their newly renovated sanctuary. Gifts can be given by envelopes available at the funeral, through https://christyuma.org/giving/, or by sending a check to their address. Another suggestion is that donations can be sent to ALS Arizona, an organization that provided outstanding assistance to the family during Lois’ illness. You can choose to put the donation in memory/honor of Lloyd Sunderman.

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