Arnold Gunderson

Arnold Gunderson, age 89, of McIntosh, MN, passed away on Thursday, January 11^th, at McIntosh Senior Living. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 20^th, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in McIntosh with the Rev. Rene Mehlberg officiating. Interment will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Bejou, MN, at a later date. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Saturday (20^th) at the church. Military honors will be provided by the Naval Honors Team. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of McIntosh and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Arnold Vernon Gunderson was born on December 21, 1934, in Bejou, Minnesota, to parents Helmer and Mary (Uhlir) Gunderson. He grew up and attended school in Bejou through the eighth grade and helped his dad on the family farm just north and east of Bejou.

Arnold entered the United States Navy in March of 1956 and served on the USS Bremerton. After receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to Bejou for a short time before moving the Twin Cities area to look for work. It was here that he met the love of his life, on a blind date, Diane Lemke. They were married on June 24, 1961, in Mound, Minnesota.

After their marriage, Arnold and Diane moved briefly back home to Bejou and then to Moorhead, Minnesota. Arnold worked for American Crystal, for Westco, and did construction work. After several years in Moorhead, the family moved again to the Twin Cities area and Arnold began his career with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. He worked in the Twin Cities region until 1972 at which time he transferred back up north, making their home just west of Fosston.

In 1976, the family built a new home in McIntosh. Arnold continued to work with MnDot and later as a welder for Erskine Attachments. Though he formally retired the first time in 1982, he continued working for several years. His last job was caretaker of the Oak Lake Rest Area just east of Erskine. This was a job that he truly enjoyed. He was able to visit with travelers going through the area, sharing his knowledge and caring for the grounds and buildings. His family liked to stop and see him at the rest area and bring a treat and visit. These are fond memories.

Arnold had many things that he enjoyed and enjoyed doing. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, cutting wood, farming and simply being in the country. He loved music, playing guitar (by ear) and singing. He was good on the grill, especially his pork steaks. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

After a courageous battle with cancer, Arnold passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at McIntosh Senior Living at the age of 89 years.

Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Diane, of McIntosh; five children, Jeff (Jill) of Rice, MN, Rod (Darlene) of Pinewood, MN, Brenda (Michael) Vettleson of Roseau, MN, Bruce of McIntosh, and Mark (Denise Henderson) of McIntosh; 13 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; one sister, Elaine Cole of Blaine, MN; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Anne Gunderson; and sisters, Marion Tangen, Verna Kock, Adele Stenmoen, Arlene Gunderson, and Lorraine Hilliard.