Janet E. Gunderson

Janet E. Gunderson, 85, of Eau Claire, died Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at Sacred Heart Hospital. She was born in Eau Claire, WI, on October 23, 1932, the daughter of Melvin and Catherine (Haas) Christianson. Janet graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School in 1950. She married Ben Gunderson on March 10, 1951, in Eau Claire. Janet was a homemaker prior to working as a bookkeeper for Ed Phillips and Sons and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in foodservice. Janet is survived by three children, Susan (Dan) Bjelke of Seattle, WA, Robert (Teri) Gunderson of Chetek and Jeannie Gunderson of Eau Claire; eight grandchildren, Sara and Emily Bjelke, Tanya Pestka, Greg Gunderson, Ben, Bob, Bill, and Brittany Girnau; seven great-grandchildren, Devin, Abigail, Broxton, Nathan, Isaac, Lola, and Joey; her sister, Lois Whitted of Eau Claire, sister-in-law, Dorothy Christianson of Eau Claire; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Marilyn Gunderson of Whites Creek, TN; and many special nieces and nephews. Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Ben; and father and mother, Melvin and Catherine Christianson. On weekends Janet and Ben enjoyed their leisurely drives through the countryside and playing an occasional game of golf. She even made a hole in one in 1983 at Mill Run. Jan, a life-long member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, had a strong faith in her Lord and Savior and always tried to live her life under his guidance. She believed in the power of prayer, and extended her love and kindness to everyone she met. Jan had a giving heart and enjoyed volunteering for over 22 years at Dove West and the Children’s Theatre. In her later years, she devoted her life to care for her ailing mother, husband, and her dear friend, Millie Frank. She enjoyed gardening and was an expert seamstress and knitter, having made several afghans, Norwegian sweaters, mittens and socks. Jan’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her family and she especially loved her grand-babies. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thank you to Dr. Durkee, Dr. Peller and the staff of Sacred Heart Hospital and Dove Healthcare West for their kindness in caring for Janet. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 18, 2017, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 310 Broadway St., in Eau Claire, with the Rev. Dr. Mark X. Pirazzini officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, December 17, 2017, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave. in Eau Claire and again one hour prior to the service Monday at the church.

Service Information

Visitation

Sunday, December 17 2017
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home
814 First Ave
Eau Claire WI 54703

Graveside Service

Monday, December 18 2017
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM

Forest Hill Cemetery
822 Emery Street
Eau Claire WI 54701