Charles Gunderson

Charles Gordon Gunderson, 92, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
He was born on July 21, 1933, in Madison, Wisconsin, the eldest son of Gordon William Gunderson and Mildred Luella Erickson. He and his younger brother, Dennis, shared a close bond and early love of mechanics - building go-karts and restoring cars together throughout their youth.
Chuck graduated from Madison West High School and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering. There, on a double-blind date for homecoming, he met the love of his life, Lois Elaine Phillips. They married on June 24, 1956, and began a 69-year love story grounded in deep respect, shared faith, and a strong commitment to family.
A proud Wisconsin Badger, Chuck stayed connected to his alma mater – founding Sedona's first alumni chapter, establishing an engineering scholarship and receiving the Distinguished Achievement Award from the UW College of Engineering for his outstanding success as an automotive industry executive and his advocacy for higher education and community service.
Chuck's lifelong passion for automobiles led him to Detroit, where he began his career at Chrysler and earned a master's in Automotive Engineering at the Chrysler Institute. Over the decades, he contributed to innovations – such as the turbine car, the Barracuda and the first Chrysler minivan – and eventually led product planning across all vehicle lines.
As much as he loved automobiles, Chuck's greatest joy was his family and community.
Chuck was a man of quiet strength and steady wisdom - the kind of person his children and others turned to for advice. He was deeply respected for his integrity and loved for his gentle humor and thoughtful presence. He gave generously of his time and heart, whether helping with homework, leading Scout troops, or listening without judgment.
Chuck's faith in God and His love for all creation guided his life. He served as Moderator at multiple churches – including First Presbyterian in Birmingham, Michigan; Church of the Red Rocks in Sedona, Arizona; and Heritage Bible Church in Phoenix – and joyfully sang in their choirs. He cherished his years serving as Moderator at Camp Skyline, a Christian camp that was instrumental in his children's spiritual development. Later, he served as Treasurer for Rainbow Acres, a Christian community in Arizona dedicated to providing residential care and purpose for adults with developmental disabilities.
In retirement, Chuck and Elaine built a home beneath Sedona's iconic Coffee Pot Rock and created a life filled with adventure and community. One of his greatest joys was joining the Jeeper Creepers, an off-road group of friends who explored the rugged beauty of the West. He passed along this love to his children and grandchildren, teaching them how to traverse the tricky rock formations – patiently and with a smile.
Remaining to celebrate his memory are his wife, Elaine; their five children- Kristin Bowen (Robert) of Birmingham, MI; Carl Gunderson of Ann Arbor, MI; David Gunderson (Laurel) of Lake Elmo, MN; Kari Mackey (James Kent) of Cape Coral, FL; and Susan McCreadie (David) of Ann Arbor, MI - and twelve grandchildren: Robert Bowen III, Brianne Bowen, Taylor Koehler (Jeremy), Megan Gunderson, Grant Gunderson, Maren Gunderson, Devon Mackey, Charles/Chase Mackey, Noah Mackey, Kaitlin McCreadie, Elle McCreadie, and Addison McCreadie. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 18th at 10:00 a.m. at Heritage Bible Church in Oasis, 4555 East Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050, with Pastor Paul Fredericks officiating. Memorial donations may be directed to the Charles G. Gunderson Engineering Fund at the University of Wisconsin Foundation (supportuw.org) or the Sagewood Residents Foundation (sagewoodfoundation.com).