Amelia Gunderson

Amelia (Millie) Gunderson, of Freeman was called to her Heavenly Home on Friday, December 22nd at the Freeman Regional Nursing Home, at the age of 90 years, 10 months, and 15 days.  

Private Family funeral services will be January 6th at 2 pm with visitation be from 11 am to 1 pm at the Walter Funeral Home in Freeman with Pastor Terry Makelin officiating.  Pallbearers will be Maxwell Rechnagel, Nicholas Haar, Spencer Haar, Christopher Stewart, Adam Stewart and Kyle Letcher.  Burial will be in the Menno City Cemetery.

Millie was born on the stormy day of February 7, 1933 at Wolf Creek Colony (Hutchinson County), Freeman, SD. She was baptized by Rev. G. Schaeffer at her mother's home in Freeman on the 17th of December 1933. She was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Freeman on April 3, 1949 by Rev. Paul Brill. Her confirmation verse was Revelation 2-10 (Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life.)

She attended Freeman Public School for her first year before moving and transferring to country school at Wolf Creek for the rest of her elementary education. She attended Menno High School graduating with the Class of 1951.

On October 5, 1951 she was married to Ray Bert Gunderson at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Freeman. They were blessed with five children, fifteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. Throughout her life she played many rolls. Millie was Assistant 4-H Leader, Sunday School teacher and enjoyed participating in the Do It Better Extension Club for 25 years. She worked for 16 1/2 years at the Freeman Community Hospital Nursing Home, 1 year at the Super 8 Motel (Freeman Country Inn) and then at the Salem Mennonite Home as a CNA. Above all, her most important role was that of raising her family and nurturing others. She was never idle, always on the go and offering her help wherever needed; whether it was delivering Meals on Wheels or feeding patients at the nursing home. Millie enjoyed her free time with many friends at the Senior Citizen Center and as a member of the Freeman Lion's Club.

Leaving to cherish her memory are her children: Deborah Amelia Haar and husband Jim of Loveland, CO; Valerie Lynn Goldberg and husband Herb of Spokane, WA; Gail Geri Letcher and husband Brad of Marion, SD; and Jeff Kaufman. Grandchildren: Jennifer (Wuertzer) Rechnagel and husband Mike; Heather (Wuertzer) Krueger and her husband David; Nicholas Haar and wife Melishia; Alexander Haar and wife Karli; Chelsey (Stiehl) Wilson and husband Ben; Zachary Stiehl; Christopher Stewart and wife Jennifer; Adam Stewart and wife Michelle; Kyle Letcher and wife Jessica; Bill Gunderson; Shawn Gunderson; Stuart Gunderson; Ryan Gunderson, Matthew Gunderson; and Andrew Gunderson. Also blessing her life were her sister, Ruth Hickerson and husband Bill; brother-in-law, Greg Gunderson; sisters: Lilas Rangel and Gladys Schultz; brother, Ray Schultz and wife LaVonne; along with many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents: Ewald Pedde and Lena Pedde Schultz; step-mother Ella Pedde; Ray Gunderson; daughter, Brenda Kaufman; son, Brian Gunderson; son-in-law Lyle Wuertzer; brothers: Leonard and Eric Pedde; sisters: Frieda (Toni) Butler and Esther Poggenga; parents-in-law, Bert and Susie Gunderson; and brother-in-law, Gerald Gunderson.