Gyda (Nelson) Gunderson, age 93 of Mahnomen, MN went to her heavenly home on Thursday, September 18, 2008.

Gyda Nuella Nelson was born on December 11, 1914 to Helge and Gurine Nelson in Waukon Township near Gary, MN. She was one of 11 children. She attended rural Little Grove School though 8th Grade and completed 9th Grade at Mahnomen High School. She attended Norwegian Summer Church School and never ended her love of learning.
As a young woman, Gyda enjoyed the hard work necessary on the farm and had a special fondness of working with farm horses. In the 1930s she worked at the World Hotel in Mahnomen and also for several area families. During this time she met her future husband, Oscar Gunderson.

Gyda and Oscar were united in marriage on November 14, 1939 at Faaberg Lutheran Church in Rindal, MN. The couple began their home in rural Bejou where they cleared the land and farmed for 32 years. They raised seven children and in 1972 they "retired" to Woodside Township near Mentor, MN. They renovated their new Hobby Farm and enjoyed many years together sharing the trails with their large, growing family.

Oscar passed away in 1985. In 1988 Gyda moved to Mahnomen where she lived independently until 2006. She then became a resident at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home, where she would at times entertain the residents with her Norwegian songs.

Gyda possessed a strong, enduring faith. They were active members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou and she was a member of the Ladies Aide and also quilted for World Relief. She also attended Maple Bay Church near Mentor where she was an active member of Circle.
Gyda was a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She took tremendous pride in her homemade doughnuts, breads and raspberry jam. She was the youth education leader for Minnesota Farmers Union. Gyda enjoyed poetry, quilting, cards, racko and BINGO. The memory of her singing beloved hymns while doing dishes is one that her children hold near and dear to their hearts. Whenever the grandkids came to visit, she would flash her beautiful smile and they knew they were special. When going to the farm you could often catch Gyda on her 4-wheeler and you couldn't help but smile! She received her driver's license at the age of 71.


Gyda is survived by seven children: Orley (Elaine) Gunderson of Thief River Falls, MN; Gloria (Philip) Halland of Gary, MN; Vivian (Richard) Smith of Vadnais Heights, MN; Sandy (Tom) Bjorge of Cushing, MN; Dean (Peggy) Gunderson of Bejou; Danny (Pam) Gunderson of Staples, MN; and Loni (David) Kjos of Alexandria, MN; sister, Norma Nefzgar of Hibbing, MN; and brothers Palmer and Gilman Nelson of Gary, MN. Also surviving Gyda are 23 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar; granddaughter, Kelsey Kjos, her parents, Helge and Gurine Nelson; sisters: Agnes Olson, Olga Black, Luella Thompson, Mabel Luckow; brother, Elmer Nelson; and the first Gyda and Gilman Nelson who died in childhood.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou, MN. Visitation will take place on Friday, September 19, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou.

Burial will be in the Faaberg Lutheran Cemetery, Rindal, MN.