Elvern Gunderson, 79, Bejou, MN, passed away in his sleep on Friday, January 27, 2017, at his home under the care of his family and Hospice.

Elvern was born on September 13, 1937, in Mahnomen, MN, the son of Obert and Elsie (Garden) Gunderson. His mother, Elsie died when he was just 6 months old. Obert later married Aster Geldaker. Elvern was raised on a farm in rural Gary, MN, and at the time he started high school, his parents purchased a farm in Mahnomen County. He attended and graduated from Mahnomen High School, class of 1955, and later attended college at NDSU in Fargo, and the University of Minnesota, in St. Paul. Elvern joined the Air National Guard out of Fargo in 1960.

Elvern was united in marriage to Shirley Stangeland on May 19, 1962, in Fargo. They were blessed with three sons, David, Kevin, and Mike. Elvern farmed with with his dad (Obert) near Bejou; he bought the farm in 1965 and operated it until retiring, after which he handed operations over to Mike. Elvern was a lifelong member of Norman Lutheran Church until its closing, when he joined Faaberg Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, and served as Treasurer of Bejou Township for about 37 years. He also served in several offices of Norman Lutheran Church and Luther League. In his teenage years, he enjoyed leatherwork and roller skating. He enjoyed traveling, especially his trip to Norway, in addition to the many other trips with his family.

Elvern is survived by his wife of over 54 years, Shirley; two sons, Kevin (Jennay) of Encinitas, CA, and Mike (Connie) of Bejou; six grandchildren, Jacob, Andrew, Benjamin, and Kaylin Gunderson of California, Amanda Hostetter, and Tim (Ceara) Gunderson, of Bejou; three great grandchildren, Keith Hostetter, Cara Hostetter, and Jackson Gunderson; sisters-in-law, Carol (Dallas ) Grieger, Amenia, ND, and Shirley Stangeland, Milton, WA, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, Aster, his brother O'Doyle, his son David, a brother-in-law, Paul Stangeland, and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Stangeland.

Funeral: 11:00AM Wednesday, February 1, 2017, at Faaberg Lutheran Church, Rindal, MN.

Visitation: Tuesday, January 31, 2017, from 5:00-7:00PM with a 6:30PM prayer service at the church.

Burial: Norman Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fertile.