Richard J. “Gundy” Gunderson

MIDDLETON–Richard J. "Gundy'' Gunderson passed away peacefully on July 28, 2021, surrounded by family. Richard was born in Madison on June 5, 1943, to John and Viola Gunderson. After school, he spent four years in the US Navy, where he enjoyed seeing the world. While growing up he had a paper route with the Wisconsin State Journal, winning trips to New York and Montana. Richard married Joann Hellenbrand on June 4, 1966, and together they raised three children, Vicki (Kendall) Dresen, Catherine Gunderson and Jason (Rosalee) Gunderson. He worked many years for Northwestern Construction and L&L Foods, where Gundy was well known and loved by so many along his route through Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

He is survived by his wife, three children and six grandchildren, Brett, Nathan, Chad and Aaron Dresen and Eva and Claire Gunderson. He is also survived by sisters, Rosie (Jack) Lawry and Nancy (Rich) Hrlevich; brother, Terry Gunderson (Nanci); sister-in-law, Jeanette Olson (Richard); mother-in-law, Dorothy Hellenbrand; 15 brothers and sisters-in-law and their spouses; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brother, William Gunderson; father-in law, Harold Hellenbrand; and sister-in-law, Nancy Hellenbrand.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Aug. 4, 2021, with Father Brian Wilk presiding. Burial will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was held at Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. on Aug. 3, 2021, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the start of the Mass on Wednesday.

Richard was very much loved by his wife and children and grandchildren and his extended family. He will be missed. Online condolences may be made at gundersonfh.com.