David Gunderson, 83

David Gunderson, 83, of Union, known for his love of faith, family and community, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024 doing what he loved - working. His death came suddenly but exactly the way he would have wanted to go.

Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26 at New Hope Christian Church in Marshalltown with the Rev. Kerry Jech officiating. The family encourages casual attire, especially Dave’s Crane and Wrecker shirts. Private family burial was set for Sheppard Cemetery north of Union. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the New Hope Christian Church. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Dave and his family.

Born May 4, 1940, in Eldora, he was one of three boys born to Ralph and Edna (Callaway) Gunderson. He attended country school at Gifford and later graduated from the Eldora High School in 1958. 

Dave was united in marriage Feb. 4, 1961 to Elizabeth Lyon and to this union two beautiful daughters were born. They later divorced. In Nebraska March 17, 1970 , he was married to Carol Hannusch and they had two sons. They made their home in Union all of their married lives.

Dave’s first job out of high school was for the CNW Railroad. But that career was short lived when he purchased the Standard Oil Gas Station in Union in 1966.  Shortly after purchasing the gas station he purchased an ambulance to offer that service in the community.  His brother Robert started working along side him in 1969, and his father Ralph joined him in 1973 after retiring from a lifelong carrier with the railroad.  Over the years there was and has been a steady stream of young men that worked for Dave, were mentored by him, and held a lifelong place in his heart.  Eventually, his sons and grandson joined him in the family business.

Dave’s first wrecker was a 1957 Ford 1 Ton Dually Wrecker and from there, the trucks just got bigger and went from the color red to the color yellow, and eventually a small crane, then a bigger one, and then – well yes – a bigger one!  As it turns out when Dave was just a little boy, his brother remembers, the only toys he ever wanted to play with were trucks and they were never big enough!

Dave established many wonderful working relationships over the years and really cherished the friendships that evolved within the Amish community.  Dave spent many hours, days and weeks through the years “swinging trusses” for several Amish building crews and he was honored to be invited to several weddings and family gatherings in the Amish community.  

Dave’s family had a surprise birthday party for him when he turned 60, knowing there would never be a retirement party as retirement was never in his life plan.  In fact, at the birthday party, his daughter told the crowd, “we’re having this party for Dad because we know there won’t be a retirement party, just this and his funeral”.  That couldn’t have been more true.

Dave was an avid supporter of the Union community and area. He served as Grand Marshall for the Tar-Heels parade last year (and decided it was best to drive himself) and was the first “Uletide in Union” honorary Scrooge.  His family joked that honor was perfectly deserved!

It was rare when Dave was not enjoying work, but when that did occur he enjoyed boating on the Mississippi River, time with friends and family, and going to drag races. At these races, he met some lifetime friends from Canada who became inseparable. Everyone who knew him could appreciate his work-ethic. Carol made him promise if she passed first, he would take the day off work for her funeral!

Left to cherish his memory are Carol, his loving wife of nearly 54 years; four children: Christy (Jeff) Hibbs of Albion, Carla Gunderson of Quartzsite, AZ, Mark (Tawni) Gunderson of Conrad and Tyse (Jolece) Gunderson of Union; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his brother Robert (Judy) Gunderson of Gifford and sister-in-law Karen Gunderson of Cedar Falls, as well as many other family and friends.

In death, Dave rejoined his parents, brother Donald, grandchildren- Tyler Hibbs, Kate Hibbs, David Hibbs and baby Hibbs.

Visit Mitchell Funeral Home online.