Brian J. Gunderson

Brian Gunderson, 64, of St. Peter passed away peacefully at his home on November 3rd with his loving wife and children by his side.

A public visitation will be held from 10am-12pm on Friday, November 6th 2020 at the Church of St. Peter, St. Peter, MN with a private service and burial at Calvary Cemetery to follow. Masks will be required and social distancing will be observed. Services can be seen on the church’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/churchofstpeterstpeter/?ref=bookmarks) starting at 1:00pm. 

Brian was born in St. Peter on May 25, 1956 to Glenn and Geraldine “Gerry” (Purrier) Gunderson. He grew up on his family’s farm in Norseland, MN where he participated in 4-H.  He earned many local and state awards for woodworking and showing animals. Brian graduated from St. Peter High School in 1974 and went on to work in various manufacturing positions before retiring from Alumacraft Boat Company in 2018. Brian was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Klein, on July 12, 1980. They were blessed with the birth of their children, Emily Ann and Nathan James. Brian found immense gratification in his role as father. He faithfully attended their concerts, sporting events and school activities and never missed an opportunity to express his pride and love.

Brian was a man of few words but strong character which was evident to all who knew him. He enjoyed photography, woodworking, jewelry making, traveling and took great pride in his flower gardens. Most of all, though, Brian treasured time with his family especially Minnesota Twins games, numerous vacations, camping and delighted in his role as “Gwampa.” 

Brian faced numerous health challenges throughout his life but never expressed sadness or anger but only concern for his family. He took care to enjoy the small things in life like picking raspberries with his granddaughters, a sunny day and campfires.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary; children Emily (Nathan) Badenschier and Nathan (Erica Flinn); grandchildren Lucy, Grace and Elise Badenschier; sisters Dianne (Don) Marth, Cheryl (Tom) Ziegler;  brother-in-law David Klein; sisters-in-law Patti Flowers, Linda Rupe, Joanne (Jim) Randolph and Lisa Koble; numerous nieces and nephews and step-mother Evelyn Gunderson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents Leonard and Lillian Gunderson and Fred and Olga Purrier; in-laws Jim and Bette Klein and brothers-in-law Arno Flowers and Richard Koble.

His heart is healed but ours are broken.