Elaine B Gunderson

Elaine B. Gunderson, 84 of Onalaska passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at the Gundersen Health System of La Crosse. She was born on November 17, 1929 to John and Blanche (Gibson) Roach in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin. She is, and always will be loved and missed so much.

On June 26, 1948 she married the love of her life, Harland Gunderson. They enjoyed over sixty years together, living in Onalaska most of their lives. Elaine always worked very hard, and lovingly, to care for her family. She was happy to be a homemaker, was a proud mom and grandma, and enjoyed baking special treats, making quilts, traveling, growing flowers and plants, and embroidering. She loved to fix meals for us, and could do so at a moments notice. She also enjoyed writing letters to family and many pen pals over the years; as well as sharing her memories and stories of the past.

Elaine is survived by three children; Roger (Linda) Gunderson of Onalaska, Linda (Scott) Maertz of San Antonio, TX, and Dale Gunderson of Denton, TX; five grandchildren, Sherry (Paul) Wertanen of Chattanooga, TN, Jeremy Gunderson of La Crosse, Shannon (Mike) Dentice of Madison, Brent Maertz of Denver, CO and Kyle Maertz of San Antonio, TX; three great-grandchildren, Julie, Jake and Jayda Wertanen; along with two sisters, Beverly Kish of Onalaska and Maxine (Bob) Boreo of La Crosse. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and an infant sister.

The Gunderson family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the wonderful staff at Bethany Lutheran Assisted Living in Holmen for being Elaines extended family for the last several years. Wed also like to thank the staff at Hillview Health Center, the staff at Gundersen Health System, and the Hospice Program staff for all their care and support.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, November 22thndth at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 907 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska. Pastor Kimberly Jordan will officiate. Burial will be in the Onalaska City Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 12:00 Noon until the time of services. In lieu of flowers the family will give memorials to the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation for the Hospice Program.