Duane John Gunderson

Duane J. Gunderson, 83, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, May 26, 2014. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2014, at All Saints Catholic Church, by Rev. John R. Flaherty. Visitation: 4-7 p.m. on Thursday at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a vigil service at 4 p.m. Visitation also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Burial: Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Gail; son, Gary Gunderson of Cedar Rapids; daughters, Julie (Marv) Trachta of Cedar Rapids, and Jill (Judd) Snell of Chanhassen, Minnesota; grandchildren, Blake, Jenna, and Ben Trachta, and Heidi Snell; brother, Don Gunderson; sister, Diane (Don) Thompson; and brother-in-law, Herman Royseth, all of Duluth, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews. Duane was born on February 12, 1931, in Duluth, Minnesota, the son of John and Alvera (Johnson) Gunderson. He served in the US Army Security Agency as a sergeant during the Korean War. On April 16, 1955, he married Gail Shedek at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Duane worked for Rockwell Automation, retiring after 36 years. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church, where he was active with the Prayer Group and the Resurrection Choir. He was also a member of the Golden Warblers and the Saturday morning breakfast group. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marlene Royseth; and sister-in-law, Lillian Gunderson. He enjoyed golfing, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with his grandkids. Duane will be remembered for his sense of humor, his endless supply of corny jokes, and his captivating trivia. Duane lived his life as a great example through his loving commitment to his family, faith, and friends, and his legacy will continue to guide us for years to come. Memorials are suggested to All Saints Catholic Church or Hospice of Mercy.