Obituary of Wanda LaLond Gunderson

Wanda LaLond Gunderson May 5, 1924 – Dec 3, 2022 LAKEVILLE - It is with great sadness that we’re letting you know that Wanda LaLond Gunderson, a treasured soul passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Just before Thanksgiving, Wanda fell at home and broke her hip and it was during her rehabilitation in New Prague that she became ill with the flu, bringing an end to well-lived life of 98 years. 

Wanda was born to John and Marie LaLond on May 15, 1924 in Odessa, Minnesota. Wanda has wonderful memories of a magical childhood surrounded by her loving family, grandparents, uncles, etc. One of her favorite memories was her Uncles Alfred and Ernie picking her up in the Model A and taking her to the Ortonville theater to see the latest Shirley Temple movie, sitting with her in the balcony, crying right along with Wanda. 

Wanda met her future husband, Joe Gunderson, who was a trucker hired by her father. Apparently, something sparked despite Joe falling out of the truck and breaking his leg the very first time he met Wanda. They were married in 1944 and pursued a life of farming for the next 17 years, first renting, then buying, a 240-acre farm near Odessa where three of their boys, Gary, Gregg and Lonn were primarily raised. In 1961, they made a move closer to the Twin Cities, living in the Blaylock farmhouse at Orchard Lake with Joe taking a job with Blaylock Plumbing. Their first year there, Wanda surprised herself and the family as she found out she was pregnant with her fourth child, Jay. 

At the Blaylocks, Wanda became close to three neighbor women who would become lifelong treasured friends – Ramona, Dorothy & Marilyn. They got together for coffee several times a week and later in life held sleepovers at each other’s houses. Joe and Wanda started a part-time job on the side cleaning a Baptist Church, investing the funds that allowed Joe and a friend to build their first ever brand-new raised ranch home. In 1967 they moved in and it’s where Wanda lived until her fall. Wanda was truly a creative spirt – she mastered cross stich, needlepoint, crafted homemade ornaments, hand quilted over 100+ quilts (a huge passion) along with favorite activities such as gardening (gorgeous garden beds) and bowling (she and Joe were in a league). In her 60s, Wanda joined a women’s golf league meeting new friends and honing her golf skills into her 90s. 

Wanda loved spending time with her children and families, hosting big Christmas gatherings. Wanda was a baker at heart and anyone visiting was always greeted with her big infectious smile and an array of delectable treats. She was an amazingly warm, witty person who made friends easily and enjoyed sharing a laugh and a story. 

She lived such a long life that she pretty much outlived all her contemporaries – her parents, brother, husband, etc. She is survived by her four sons – Gary (Nancy) Gunderson, Gregg (Maureen) Gunderson, Lonn Gunderson, and Jay (Deb) Gunderson along with six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, nieces/nephews and many, many treasured friends far and wide. 

Wanda did not want a funeral/service (she was quite adamant about that), but she didn’t say we couldn’t have a party. There will be a Celebration of Life Spring 2023. Stay tuned!