Sondra Joan Gunderman

Sondra Joan Gunderman (née Shipman). Born September 6, 1933, in Escanaba Michigan, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Sondra was called home by her Savior Jesus Christ in the early morning hours of November 25, 2025. She was born to Joseph Harry Shipman and Doris Dean Shipman (née Sattler) and married the love of her life, Kenneth Lytle Gunderman Jr.

Sondra had a lifelong love of the theatre. She received a B.A. from Emerson College in Boston then moved to New York and studied acting at the American Theatre Wing pursuing her dream. During that time, she performed in summer stock theater with Jane Fonda and appeared in many Off-Broadway productions. She even dated James Earl Jones for a short time—remaining friends throughout their lives. Eventually, at the request of her true love, Ken Gunderman, she returned home, relocated to Lansing and raised a family.

She became a teacher while continuing to perform in local theatre. Later, she discovered her true passion—radio news. For many years, Sondra maintained an office in the State Capitol press room, spending much of her time on the floors of the House and Senate as a news correspondent. She worked as a freelance reporter for numerous stations, building a respected reputation in the field. In recent years, she slowed down but continued “calling down” her stories until just this year.

Those who met Sondra will remember her for her light, her love, and her joy for life. She cherished her family deeply, held fast to her faith, and loved Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. She lived as a true disciple of Christ, earning many heavenly treasures through her work on earth. Sondra will never be forgotten by anyone who has known her.

She is survived by her children:Maria Doris Gunderman, Kenneth (Marie) Gunderman III, Doris Johanna (Joseph) Burman, Linda Mary Gunderman (Jamie Surber), Sonna Mary Polazzo and Mary Margaret Gunderman.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Travis Veresh, Rachel (Houston) Mellentine, Aaron Hooper, Magdaline (Molly) Senski, Ciara (Sean) Benolken, Kenneth (Allison) Gunderman IV, Christina Roche (Ike Nellis), Paige (Alex) Clemons, Barrie Isham, Madonna Viviano, and Maxwell Mollehan.

She was blessed with many great-grandchildren, including: Embrosia Veresh, Ambria, Carlisle, Madelynn and Remington Mellentine, Miriam and Ari Senski, Lennox and Blaire Benolken, Taylor Lynn, Phoenix and Amari Roche, Noah and Nova Nellis, Temperance Gunderman, Gordon Clemons, Christiana Isham, Giovanni and Valencio Viviano. Her family tree also includes three great-great-grandchildren: Malikhi, Lyrik and Sparkle.

Sondra was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Doris Shipman; her stepmother, Scotty Shipman; her beloved husband, Kenneth Lytle Gunderman Jr.; her brothers, Dean and Barrie Shipman; her grandsons, Brandon Roll, Anthony Gunderman, and Michael Mollehan; and her great-granddaughter, Alilah Roche.

A visitation will be held at St Gerard Catholic Church, located at 4437 W Willow Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917, on December 5, 2025, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am with a funeral mass beginning at 10:30 am. Interment to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 4444 W Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48906.