Gunderson, Patricia Ann (1947-2010)
GUNDERSON, SOLOMONSON, LARSEN
Posted By: Paul Nagy, volunteer (email)
Date: 12/31/2010 at 15:44:50
Patricia Ann Gunderson
(December 22, 1947 - December 28, 2010)Lake Mills dateline
Patricia A. Gunderson, age 63, of Lake Mills, died Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at her home in Lake Mills.
Patricia Ann Gunderson was born on December 22, 1947, in Leland, Iowa, to Arnold “Marlin” and Anna Marie (Solomonson) Gunderson. She attended and graduated from Forest City High School. Patty went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Spanish education from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
Patty was employed by the United States Government as a chief customs inspector, working at airports in Chicago, Miami, Kansas City and the Bahamas. At one point, she had been singled out as one of the top seven customs inspectors in the United States. Patricia received a national award for her work with the Consumer Products Safety Commission for her efforts in stopping the importation of defective toys, flammable fabrics, fireworks, and poisonous chemicals. During her years working for the government, Patty was active with the National Treasury Employees Union, holding positions of president, vice-president, and steward.
Luther College had always been dear to Patty’s heart, and in 1976, she established a scholarship for students wishing to study Spanish abroad. Over 125 students have benefitted from her generosity. Our Saviors Lutheran Church was also a special part of Patty’s life. She remained active in any capacity she could, most recently, having been the congregation’s president.
Patricia enjoyed the friendships she made playing Bridge, time spent with the Red Hat Society ladies, and her companion, Butterball, the cat.
Patricia is survived by an aunt, Alice Larsen, currently a resident of the Lake Mills Care Center; and many cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and many aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, January 3, 2011, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Leland, Iowa, with Pastor Tim Miller officiating. Burial will take place in North Prairie Lutheran Cemetery, rural Scarville, Iowa.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Sunday, January 2, 2011, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 East Main Street, Lake Mills, Iowa, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.
Memorials may be directed to the Spanish Study Abroad Program, c/o the Modern Languages Department, Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, Iowa 52101.
Copyright © 2010, Mittelstadt Funeral Home
Winnebago Obituaries maintained by Cheryl Siebrass.
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