MarLeone Gunderson, age 79, of Twin Valley, MN, died Thursday, October 23, 2014, in her home under the care of her daughter Melody Haaland, with Hospice of the Red River Valley.


MarLeone Faye Olson was born May 3, 1935, the daughter of Harold and Neva (Reese) Olson in Crookston, MN. She was raised west of Fertile, MN, and attended country school in that area through the eighth grade. MarLeone then went on to attend Fertile High School. In 1952, MarLeone was united in marriage to Arnold Gunderson. The couple began their married life in Texas, while Arnold was in the army. After Arnold's discharge, they returned to the Fertile community for several years before moving to Ada in 1960. MarLeone was a busy mom and business woman raising her family, doing the bookkeeping for the family electrical business, designing flowers for weddings, operating the "Crafty Lady Gift Shop", playing bass in the family band and singing in the Inspirations. In 2001, MarLeone moved to Twin Valley where she had lived since.


MarLeone was a very talented, kind and creative lady. It was evident in her mastery of crossword puzzles, her writing of poetry, her drawings, needlework, and her countless crafts. She was always thinking of ways to help others. MarLeone loved spending time with her family, telling stories, and truly treasured the time and memories she made with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.


MarLeone is survived by a son, Darrell Gunderson of Twin Valley, MN; three daughters: Marshalaa (Dennis) Wagner of Chaska, MN, Crystal (Mike) Lambert of Yuma, AZ, and Melody Haaland of Twin Valley, MN; a daughter-in-law, Ruth Gunderson of Frazee, MN; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, a son, Arlon and a sister, Darlene Tollefson.


A Memorial Service was held on Friday, November 7, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at the Anderson Family Funeral Home, Twin Valley. A Time of Gathering was one hour prior to the service.