John N. Gunderson

John N. Gunderson, 82, of Elkhart Lake, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 7, 2023 with his best friend, Dick, at his side.  He was faithfully looked after during his last months by another wonderful and special friend, Ellen.

John was born March 22, 1941 in Wittenberg to the late Kermit and Genevieve (Wahlgren) Gunderson.  He is survived by two brothers and a sister.  Bruce Gunderson (Mary) of Talkeetna, Alaska; Neal Gunderson (Sandra) of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Sue Reinke (Jim) of Vesper, Wisconsin.  He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

During high school in Appleton, John worked as a butcher’s assistant and continued that work as a butcher during college.  He remembered those early jobs with great fondness.

He was a 1963 graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and a 1973 graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School.  

After completing four years of college, John served in an Army unit which was attached to the Loring Air Force Base in the very north of Maine.  He worked as an intelligence clerk to the Unit Commander of the Nike Hercules anti-aircraft missile battery.  He was involved with ensuring the security of nuclear warheads located on the base. 

John was a partner at Olsen, Kloet, Gunderson and Conway Law Firm until he retired at the age of 75.  His area of practice began with criminal law and he later specialized in residential and commercial real estate law, subdivision and condominium developers, owner associations and banks.  Other areas of practice included small business organizations, landlord and tenant law, and real estate related litigation.

John was an original advisor to the first accredited Paralegal Education Program in Wisconsin at Lakeshore Technical Institute.

John pursued many interests over the years which included racing open cockpit formula cars for many years and skiing the long-distance Birkebeiner cross country ski race several times.  He was a train enthusiast and loved to research regional railroad history.  He was a cat lover and devoted to his most recent feline friend, Sara, until her death last year. 

John supported many charities including Rawhide Youth Services, the Humane society, and the Salvation Army where he served on the local board.  He had a deep personal faith and faithfully supported his church, Calvary Evangelical Lutheran.  

John shared his years after retirement with long-time friends and family.  From his many experiences over a long life and his unique take on events, he always had an interesting story to tell!  He will be missed.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2132 N. 27th St. Sheboygan, with Pastor Daniel Voigt officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Monday, October 16, 2023 from 1:00 PM until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place at Forest Home Cemetery in Wittenberg.

In lieu of flowers or monetary gifts, please consider giving to a charity or church of your choosing.