“I was born on August 14, 1943 to Melvin Clarence and Borghild Nora Kleppen Gunderson. I was born in Powers Lake, ND. I was raised on a farm about 10 Miles North of Battleview, ND. I attended a one room country school for the first few years, then attended school in Columbus, ND and later finished up high school in Powers Lake, ND. During the summers when we were on the farm. We seemed to have someone staying with us about our own age so summers went fast. Winters passed slow as we had nowhere to go as transportation was nothing like we know it today, but it seemed we always found something to do. After High school I worked various jobs until getting married in July of 1966 to Marlene Lokken. We were married in Stanley, ND. In September of 1966 the Army decided they needed me so I spent 6 months in Washington State at Fort Lewis, then I was transferred to Ft. Huachuca, AZ where I spent my remaining 18 months of duty. Marlene joined me in AZ shortly after I arrived there.” Written by Leroy Gunderson for the Children of the Prairie Book

Leroy Dean Gunderson enjoyed spending time outdoors, no matter the season, hunting and fishing. He always enjoyed a good laugh, playing cards, and a good game of crokinole. In his younger years, he enjoyed disappearing on the prairie, hiking, or riding horseback. He truly loved riding by moonlight among the wildlife. The North Dakota wandering sprit followed him to his time in AZ, as while he was there it wasn’t unusual for him to be hunting insects and reptiles or exploring the caves with a dog by his side. He and Marlene had their daughter, Malinda, in May of 1968. Upon returning to ND, Leroy worked in the Lokken body shop, the downtown Farmers Union, and various other positions until he took on a position at the Dept of Transportation. Leroy and Marlene welcomed their son, Melvin, in July of 1979.

He spent any spare time in the shop or out in the field. He, along with his nephews and cousins would spend days (or weeks) hunting at the homestead. If he wasn’t outdoors, he was playing with the band. Leroy loved to play guitar and sing and was very active in the church choir, and never turned down a night of karaoke. He became a grandfather to Heather in February of 1988, and in 2012 he became the BEST great grandpa to his special guy, Donovan. He lost the love of his life in 2015.

He spent his later years enjoying time outside with Bestla and joining his family on the next adventure. Family was the most important thing to Leroy. Through the years, he kept very close to his siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He ‘adopted’ numerous children through the years as well. He enjoyed sharing his life experiences and knowledge and encouraged his love of the outdoors and music to continue with his family.

Leroy is survived by his “Little Buddy” Bestla; children, Malinda Gunderson and Melvin (Paige) Gunderson all of Stanley, ND; granddaughter, Heather (Nick) Vestre and great-grandson, Donovan Vestre all of Bottineau, ND; sisters, Muriel Smith of Powers Lake, ND; Jeanette (Lee) Hoffner of Minot, ND and Beverly Brisco of Kenmare, ND; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and ‘adopted’ family members.

He is proceeded in death by his wife of 49 years; Marlene Gunderson; parents, Melvin and Borghild Gunderson; brother, Marvin “Buddy” Gunderson; sisters, Nelsie Oas & Karen Oas.

Memorial Contribution