Gunnar Bjorn Gundersen

Gunnar Bjorn Gundersen of Salem, Oregon, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Gunnar was born to Gunder and Ida Gundersen on September 10, 1953. He was raised in Portland, Oregon, where he attended Llewellyn Grade School and graduated from Cleveland High School and Portland State University, where he earned a Master of Arts in English and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and a Bachelor of Arts degrees in Anthropology and Foreign Languages.
Gunnar's life was one that was richly lived. He loved to read, learn and immerse himself into other cultures. He also had a love of playing sports, particularly basketball. He also was never one to turn down an opportunity to dance, or sing one of his favorite songs. His zest for life and the many aspects of it were always strong.
Gunnar's career in education spanned decades and continents. He held teaching positions at prestigious institutions including Portland State University, Mt. Hood Community College, Sideruargica del Orinoco C.A in Venezuela, Lewis and Clark College, University of Houston, and the University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dharan, Saudi Arabia. Since 1989, Gunnar dedicated his expertise to Tokyo International University of America (TIUA), where he served asExecutive Vice President until his retirement.
Gunnar was preceded in death by his parents, his mother in-law and father in-law, and his nephew James Palmer, who held a special place in his heart.
He is survived by the love of his life, Xiomara Gundersen, his sons Gunnar (sp. Wendi) and Erik Gundersen (Sp. Kelsey) and grandchildren Felicity, Cecilia, and Bernhard. Also, his sisters Kathleen Neill (sp. Kenneth) and Christine Bolf (sp. Paul), his nephew Jeff Smith and his niece Andrea Smith. Also loved by Gunnar; his Venezuelan family, Argenis, Angel, Idais, Lali, Maryori, Magaly and Jose Garcia. Gunnar also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, including Maryori's daughter Anna, whom he loved like his own daughter.
Gunnar's profound impact on the field of education and his unwavering dedication to his students and colleagues will be deeply missed. His legacy of wisdom, kindness, and passion for his family and learning will continue to inspire generations to come. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Donations may be made in Gunnar's name to Portland Japanese Gardens through the Portland Parks Foundation at (click here) (503) 445-0994, or to Hopewell House Hospice in Portland, Oregon at (503) 894-7560.