Robert "Bob" James Gunderson

Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Robert “Bob” Gunderson, passed on to his eternal home with Jesus on May 28, 2025.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Mike Kelly officiating.

A time for fellowship and lunch will follow Mass at the parish hall.

Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery following lunch.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with a 7:00 p.m. liturgical wake service. Visitation continues one hour before Mass.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com. Services will be recorded and posted on Schriver’s website following the service.

Robert "Bob" James Gunderson was born on October 9, 1961, in Ellendale, North Dakota, the fourth of six sons born to Tom and Marjorie (Beaudoin) Gunderson.  Bob spent his early years in several North Dakota communities and Des Moines, Iowa, before graduating from Jamestown High School in 1980.  Bob went on to attend Jamestown College, where he earned a degree in business and proudly played football for the Jimmies under coach Rollie Greeno.

Bob met the love of his life, Gail Orr, while in high school, and they were united in marriage on August 15, 1986, at St. James Basilica in Jamestown, North Dakota.  Their love ran deep, rooted in their shared faith in God and in the sacrament of their marriage.  Bob often said, “She made me a better man.”

Together, they built a beautiful life and grew their family to six with the births of their children: Hailey, Ryan, Morgan, and Grant. Bob’s greatest accomplishments were rooted in love.  He was cherished as a devoted husband, a steadfast father, and a deeply proud grandfather.

Bob and Gail often exchanged their favorite phrase with a giggle, “We sure do life pretty good together, don’t we?” This spirit led Bob and Gail on countless adventures---to the Black Hills of South Dakota, the shores of Indian Shores, Florida, and the waters of Pollock, South Dakota.  Whether skiing, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, grilling, enjoying sunsets, campfires, or just soaking up the sun and sand, Bob treasured every moment spent with his family, creating a lifetime of cherished memories.

Bob was never one to boast, but he was an Iron Man---completing five Ironman competitions across the United States, along with numerous other triathlons.

More than any medal or finish line, Bob cherished being a husband to Gail, a father, and a grandfather.  He watched with quiet pride as his children grew into faith-filled adults, a legacy far greater than any race he ever ran.

Bob joined the family business, Investments Centers of America, in 1984 earning both his CPA and CFP designations to further his commitment to financial planning.  He began his career in Bismarck, ND, later moving to Tama, Iowa, before establishing deep personal and professional roots in Aberdeen, SD, in 1989.

Over the course of his career, Bob helped thousands of clients secure their financial futures.  In both service to family and in business, he embodied the spirit of Teddy Roosevelt’s motto, “The Man in the Arena,” striving each day to live a life of purpose and integrity while inspiring others to do the same.

His life was a testament of faith, humility, kindness and generosity.  He lived fully, gave freely, and walked humbly with God, leaving behind a legacy of love that will endure beyond this life.  Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 38 years Gail; children: Hailey (Evan) McCall and their children Camden and Berkley, of Wahpeton, ND, Ryan (Allie) Gunderson and their children James and Graham, of Aberdeen, SD, Morgan (Brendon Siems) Gunderson, of Fargo, ND, and 1st Lt. Grant (1st Lt. Kirby) Gunderson, of Killeen, TX; parents Tom and Marge Gunderson; brothers: Greg (Shelly) Gunderson, Gerry (Lori) Gunderson, Tom Jr. (Janelle) Gunderson all of Bismarck, ND, Kurt (Jody) Gunderson, of Northfield, MN, and Scott (Jen Griffis) Gunderson of Detroit Lakes, MN; Sister-in-law Fiona Gunderson, of Bismarck, ND; father-in-law Clifford Orr, of Ypsilanti, ND; sisters-in-law Bernice (Scott) Monson, of Jamestown, ND, and Robin (Rick) Kohler, of Missouri Valley, IA; brothers-in-law Darron (Barb) Orr and Troy (Bev) Orr both of Ypsilanti, ND; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Preceding Bob in death were his grandparents Gil and Florence Gunderson and Joe and Hannah Beaudoin, mother-in-law Valeria Orr, and nephew Nick Gunderson.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials in Bob’s name be directed to causes close to their hearts including: Sacred Heart Church at 502 2nd Ave SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401; Roncalli School System at 1400 N Dakota St, Aberdeen, SD 57401; or the Mayo Clinic (a 501(c)(3) -Non-profit) Address checks to: Mayo Clinic/Dept. of Development / 200 1st St. SW/ Rochester MN 55905. Check memo: Long Co-vid Research.