LaVon Gunderson, of Montevideo, died Saturday, November 22, 2014 at Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo at the age of 92.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday November 26, 2014 at 11:00 am at Big Bend Lutheran Church. Rev. Keith Long will officiate and interment will be in Big Bend Cemetery.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.
LaVon Harley Gunderson was born June 7, 1922 in Big Bend Township of Chippewa County, MN to Gustaf and Marie (Golden) Gunderson. He was baptized and confirmed at Big Bend Lutheran Church. He attended Big Bend Rural school until grade 8. Following school, he worked for farmers in the area for a number of years. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942 and spent 4 years as a flight mechanic and flying B26 planes. He was united in marriage to Julia Laumb on October 21, 1944. After serving his country, he farmed until 1951. LaVon and Julia moved to Wichita Kansas in 1951 where LaVon worked at the Boeing Company until 1957. In 1957, they moved back to a small farm by the Chippewa River. On the farm he raised sheep and cattle. He later started his own TV sales and service business in Big Bend.
LaVon had a variety of interests and hobbies including race cars, trap shooting, motorcycles, hunting, fishing and music to mention a few. He played violin, mandolin and banjo. LaVon was proud of his service to his country and continued his support of his fellow veterans including lifelong membership of the Appleton VFW and Milan American Legion. He served as Commander and District Vice Commander for a number of years as well as Chaplin for the 40 & 8 for 10 years. He received awards from four different Minnesota Governors for his work on a committee for a citizen support group for the Minnesota National Guard. LaVon was especially proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
LaVon is survived by his son, John (Renay) Gunderson; grandchildren: Doug (Michelle) Gunderson, Jeff (Jenn) Jacoby and Julie (Gary) Vien; great-grandchildren: Hayley Gunderson, John Gunderson, Addison Gunderson, Hannah Jacoby, Heidi Jacoby, Halle Jacoby and baby to be Gunderson; and a brother Donald (Wendy) Gunderson.
He was preceded in death by his parents and step mother; his wife, Julia in 2011; a son, Thomas Gunderson; a daughter, Marianne Gunderson; and a granddaughter, Melissa Gunderson.