Charles Gundersen

Charles Edgar Gundersen, 96, of Duluth, died Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Viewcrest Health Center, Duluth. Chuck was born September 24, 1918 in Minneapolis, MN to Gerhard and Hannah Gundersen. He was raised in South Minneapolis and graduated from South High School in 1937. He went to work for Grain Belt Brewing Co. and General Mills, before going to work for Knutson Construction Co. After leaving Knutson, Chuck went to work for Olson Equipment and in 1957, he and his bride, Helen (Graca) moved to Duluth to start up a branch of Olson Equipment. In 1964, Chuck, along with Bill Carlson and Walker Jamar Jr. opened Gundersen Carlson Equipment, later he formed the Gundersen Equipment Co.
He was a member of Rotary Club # 25, the Optimist Club, Ridgeview Country Club; he served on the board of the Duluth Builders exchange; he enjoyed fishing and duck hunting and spending time in Chandler Arizona, before moving back to Duluth in 2009.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerhard and Hannah; first wife, Helen; second wife, Rita and his brothers and sister.
Chuck is survived by his daughter, Gretchen M. Gundersen of Minnetonka, MN and sons, William Gundersen and Barb Gundersen of Duluth, Charles Gundersen of Edina and Paul (Mary) Gundersen of Duluth; grandchildren, Jen (Andrew) Shabaz, Parker (Kiki) Gundersen, Patrick (Jackie) Gundersen and Eric (Jamie) Gundersen; great grandchildren, Madeline, Alexander, Ramsen, Madison, Mackenzie, Lily, Liam, Ryder and Will.
Chuck's family would like to thank the staff at Spirit Valley Assisted Living, Viewcrest and St. Luke's Hospice for their loving care of Chuck.
Visitation will be Friday from 5-7pm in the Dougherty Funeral Home, where visitation will continue Saturday from 10 am to the 11 am Services. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are preferred and may be directed to St. Luke's Hospice, C/O St. Luke's Foundation, 1000 E 1st St. Duluth, MN 55805. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral home, 600 E 2nd St. Duluth, (218) 727-3555.