Watch Lenore's Memorial Mass

Lenore Marie Gunnufson, age 79, of Fargo, ND, formerly Gary, MN, passed away Sunday, December 26, 2021, at Sanford Health Systems in Fargo.

Lenore was born August 13, 1942, the daughter of Herbert and Dolores (Kochmann) Ahmann. She was born in Fosston, MN, and raised in Mahnomen, MN, with her five siblings. She attended St. Michaels Catholic School through 8 ^th Grade and graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1960. She was known for being a tender big sister to her special little sister, Janette, and helped her mother with care of Janette and her siblings. She loved roller skating, taking walks, and reading. After graduation, Lenore worked as a switchboard operator at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Detroit Lakes, MN, and McQuay Minneapolis, MN.

Lenore loved dancing and often went with neighborhood kids to the Flowing Well and the Rancho. On one of those dance nights, she met the love of her life.  On May 1, 1965, Lenore was united in marriage to Don Gunnufson at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. The newlywed couple made their home in Gary where they raised their family. Lenore was a homemaker for many years. Once Dawn and Daniel were in high school, she started working at the Twin Valley Nursing Home as a CNA. There she worked with many wonderful patients and coworkers. Lenore loved her role as a CNA and continued that role for many years. After the Shooting Star Casino opened, she started a role as the switchboard operator. Switchboard work was her life's calling and she loved the staff at the Casino and her role there.  Lenore worked at the casino for several years until Don's health declined and at that time, she retired.

Her retirement years were not easy. Don's health declined rapidly, and her Metatastic Breast Cancer caused many health challenges. Lenore fought that cancer like a warrior. When she was able, she loved visiting and being around people, especially her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino. Lenore was a member of the Gary American Legion Auxiliary and faithfully served Friday night Bingo with Don.

Lenore leaves behind one daughter, Dawn (Darin) Mogck of Fargo, ND; one son, Dan of Moorhead, MN; three grandchildren: Lucas (Serina) Gunnufson, Jacob Mogck and Madison Gunnufson; three great grandchildren, Palmer and Oliver Gunnufson and Nala Bartholomay; her mother, Dolores Ahmann of Mahnomen; one brother, Kenneth (Debbie) also of Mahnomen, MN; two sisters, Patricia (Don) Schaack of Plymouth, MN, and Charlene (Tim) Spaeth of Mahnomen, MN; and one dear sister-in-law, Donna Ahmann of Coon Rapids, MN; as well as many nieces and nephews. Lenore was preceded in death by her father, Herbert Ahmann; her husband, Don; one sister, Janette; one brother, John as well as two nieces, Janet, and Jennifer.

Blessed be the memory of Lenore Gunnufson.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen, MN.  A time of gathering will be held one hour prior to Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Gary American Legion Auxiliary or the Roger Maris Cancer Foundation.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, masks are strongly encouraged.

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available on our website below.

Services will be recorded and available for viewing the following day on our website.