Del Rae Gunderson, age 36, of Gary, Minnesota, died Friday, May 21, 2010 in her home under the care of Hospice and her family.

Del Rae Gunderson was born on February 12, 1974 the youngest child of Ole and Deanna (Busse) Gunderson in Detroit Lakes, MN. She grew up on the family farm near Gary. Del Rae attended Gary High School and graduated with the class of 1992. After graduation she continued to live in the Gary area and began working at the Red Apple Café in Mahnomen. Del Rae was blessed with two wonderful children, Dylan and Kaity Larson, who she treasured greatly. She worked at the Mahnomen Health Center in the food service department for nearly 10 years then began a career at Palubicki's Grocery Store in Fosston, MN. While working in Fosston, Del Rae met her true love, Carlos, with whom she shared the rest of her life. In 2004, Del Rae was diagnosed with cancer. In 2008, she moved back to Gary to make her home. On May 21st Del Rae peacefully went to the Lord surrounded by her loved ones.

Del Rae had a strong faith in God and received great strength from reading scripture. She loved to be held, caressed, and she never forgot to give good night kisses. Del Rae loved to be surrounded by caring people and was always trying to make those around her happy. She especially enjoyed spending time with her teenage children and hearing about their life. Del Rae liked to be outside and took daily strolls around town with Carlos and the kids. In 2006, she traveled with Carlos and her family to Puerto Rico and made many wonderful memories. Del Rae always believed in angels because God sent her one. She proudly fought very hard these past six years and now is at peace with God.

Del Rae is survived by her special friend, Carlos Otero of Gary, MN; one son, Dylan Larson of Mahnomen, MN; one daughter, Kaity Larson of Mahnomen; her parents, Ole and Deanna Gunderson of Gary; one brother, Jay Gunderson of Twin Valley, MN; and three sisters: Isabella Wedin of West Fargo, ND, Denice Gunderson of Moorhead, MN, and Darcy (Mike Bergh) Gunderson of Fertile, MN; two aunts, Linda (Donnie) Halvorson of Moorhead, MN, and Myrtle Aakhus of Detroit Lakes, MN; four uncles: Dale Busse of Moorhead, Lloyd (Eunice) Gunderson of Detroit Lakes, MN, Robert (Doreen) Gunderson of Gary, and Harlow (Cathy) Gunderson of Pelican Rapids, MN; two nieces, Ashleigh (Saleem) and Jaycie; two nephews, Quenten and Michael; and one great nephew, Jude; as well as many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Bennie and Louise Gunderson and Jim and Mim Busse; two brothers, Todd and Quenten; one aunt, Joyce; and one niece, Allyssa.

Funeral Services were held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at Gary Lutheran Church in Gary. Visitation was held at the Gary Lutheran Church on Tuesday, May 25th from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30pm. Visitation were one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Officiating was Pastors Kelly Ahola and Norm Gullingsrud with Alden Anderson serving as organist and Darcy Gunderson as vocalist. Pallbearers were Carlos Otero, Dylan Larson, Kaity Larson, Mike Nelson, Al Larson and Quenten LuCer. Honorary pallbearers were Isabella Wedin, Darcy Gunderson, Denice Gunderson, Jay Gunderson, Therese Bembo, Gloria Holland, Mindy Nitski and Shawn Moen.

Interment was at Norman Lutheran Cemetery, rural Gary.