In Memory of Charles "Chuck" E. Gunderson, Sr.

Charles “Chuck” E. Gunderson, Sr., age 85, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2017, at the Odebolt Specialty Care, of Odebolt, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at the United Methodist Church of Odebolt, Iowa. Pastor Ken Miller will officiate. Committal Services with Military Rites conducted by Roose Post No. 313 of the American Legion of Odebolt, Iowa will follow in the Odebolt Cemetery of Odebolt, Iowa. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at the United Methodist Church of Odebolt, Iowa. The Christensen - Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Charles “Chuck” Gunderson, Sr., passed away on July 6, 2017, at the Odebolt Specialty Care.

Chuck, the son of Vernon E. and LuVerna S. (Schroeder) Gunderson, was born at the family farm on June 7, 1932, in Odebolt, Iowa.

He graduated from Odebolt High School with the class of 1950. Chuck then joined the Army Reserves in Sac City. Chuck completed Army Aviation School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He worked as a helicopter mechanic at Camp Rucker, Alabama. Chuck earned the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal while earning the rank of Private 1.

On June 7, 1954, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt, he was united in marriage to Elaine P. (Miller) Gunderson. Seven children were born to this union.

Following his service to his country, Chuck and Elaine returned to farm with his father. The farm has been in the family for over 140 years. He was a steward of the land and took pride in his crops being free of unwanted weeds long before the use of chemical application. His farm buildings were all well maintained. His strong work ethic and pride in the land was passed on to his children. Chuck had a quick wit, kind smile, and loved spending his time with family and friends.

Chuck was a member of the Odebolt United Methodist Church where he served on several boards. For over 25 years, he was the Odebolt Cemetery Board president. Elaine and Chuck thoroughly enjoyed their square dancing days. They also took many bus trips to see the United States and even Europe. For many years, they spent winters in Texas, Arizona and later near their son David’s home in Leesburg, Florida. No matter where Chuck went, he was always happy to return home to the farm, or “God’s Country” as he called it.

Chuck is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Elaine Gunderson of Odebolt; children Steven (Kristeen) Gunderson of Odebolt, IA, David (Denise) Gunderson of Leesburg, FL, Lori (Kurt) Otto of Friendswood, TX, Charles, Jr. (Kathleen) Gunderson of Odebolt, IA, Thomas Gunderson of Fishers, IN and Robert Gunderson (special friend, Durinda Aspleaf) of Akron, IA.

Also surviving are thirteen grandchildren Kurt Gunderson, Kara (Tyler) Hogue, Grant Gunderson, Blake Gunderson, Sara (David) Bucksten, Eric (LeaAndrea) Otto, Chase Gunderson, Kellyanne Gunderson, Karleigh Gunderson, Allissa Gunderson, Reid Gunderson, Austin Gunderson and Dyllan Gunderson; five great-grandchildren Lincoln and Lillian Hogue, Madelyn, Naomi and Joseph Bucksten; brother Jack Gunderson of Chippewa Falls, WI; extended family and friends.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Vernon and LuVerna Gunderson; sister Nancy; and son Jeffrey, in infancy.