Fairbank: Janet Ann Gunderson, age 80, passed away on December 3, 2017, at Unity Point Health Allen Hospital in Waterloo. She was born in Lansing, Iowa, on August 27, 1937, the daughter of Ray and Della (Severson) Spinner. Jan graduated from St. Patrick’s School in Waukon in 1955. She married Ralph Gunderson on May 23, 1959, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waterloo, Iowa. From this union, six children were born. Jan is survived by five daughters: Laura (Ross) Kane of Westminster, Colorado; Leslie (Fred) Frost of Fairbank; Terri (Kraig) Grimes of Sumner; Jill Weihe of Truman, Minnesota; and Amy (Jim) Meyer of Fairbank; and one son: Eric (Brenna) Gunderson of Elk River, Minnesota. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three brothers-in-law: Tom (Mary Lou) Benson of Tripoli, Gordon Halverson of Des Moines, Dean (Clarion) Gunderson of Postville; and three sisters-in-law: Katie Spinner of Iowa City, Kay Gunderson of Postville, and Betty Holm of Waverly. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son-in-law Tory Weihe; three brothers: Raymond (Alice) Spinner, Donald (Myrt) Spinner and Michael Spinner; four sisters: Sister Magdelle Spinner, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration; Kay (Dennis) O’Malley; Mary Lou Halverson; and Patricia Benson. Jan was a member of the Fairbank American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed golfing, reading, playing cards, and, most of all, spending time with and cooking for her family and friends.
Services: 10:30 am Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank.
Visitation: 4:00-7:00 PM Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at Woods Funeral Home, with a parish rosary at 4:30 PM.
Inurnment: Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Fairbank.
Memorials: may be directed to the family.
Condolences for Janet Ann Gunderson
She was a wonderful friend and golf partner. Loved her so much.
My heartfelt prayers sent to the family. I have many fun memories spent at the Gunderson home as a teenager. Love to Leslie & all, Kathy
Sending our. Condolences and sympathy to your family at this very difficult time. Rainbow Dr changed forever when the Gunderson family moved. Love to you all Jim and Vicki
With my sympathy to Janet’s family, I want to let you know that we classmates from St. Patrick’s are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. On Wed. we will be with you in our spirits as you say your final goodbye. We all know that the loss of a second parent is a wrenching time for children, no matter the age. Among ourselves, we have been sharing memories of your grandparents and aunts and uncles, too–all well known to us. We were so glad that Jan came to our 55th class reunion. We quickly reconnected as the shared histories were remembered. Our days in Waukon were so interconnected. I can easily imagine that the six of you have inherited the best of the Spinner gifts–humor, spunk, resiliancy and faith. At this time, my prayer is that you can take to heart the message of a faith that holds that life for your mom is changed; not taken away; that you know that your good memories, thoughts, actions are signs to you that her spirit lives and that she is always with you.
Sending my deepest sympathy to the family… Jan was a great person. Mary Arnold Dietz
Our deepest sympathy to the Gunderson family. Great neighbors and a wonderful family. Cherish your beautiful memories. Stay strong during this difficult time. Thinking of you all. Craig and Susan Corcoran