Obituary of Donald M. Gunderson

Donald M Gunderson, age 86, of Wild Rose passed away peacefully, Thursday, October 29, 2015 at Trinity Senior Living in Madison, WI. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 6, 2015, at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Dan DeRoche will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Whitehall Cemetery at a later date. Don was born in Independence, WI on Oct 9, 1929 to Milan and Josephine (Brynn) Gunderson. Don served on the USS Shannon and USS O'Brien in the United States Navy from 1948 to 1953 during the Korean War. Since leaving the Navy, Don worked at various occupations including truck driving, mechanic, machinist and salvage yard operator. Don married Evelyn Saverinske on February 17, 1990 in Wautoma; she passed away on June 1, 2006. He was always busy working on cars, trucks, lawn-mowers, plowing snow and doing anything to stay active just like his parents. Don owned and operated The Car Farm in Wild Rose for approximately 20 years. He served many years on the Wild Rose Fire Department and for a short time served as the Fire Chief. Don was also a long-time member of the Waushara County Deputy Sheriff's Association. Don had a love for being up in the sky flying his airplanes and was instrumental in rejuvenating the Wild Rose Airport, which he managed for a long time. Don is survived by his son Lin (Karen) Gunderson of Spring Green and two grandsons; Travis of Manitowoc, WI and Cody of Spring Green, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents wife Evelyn and sister, June Halverson.