Shirley Arlene Gunderson

Shirley Arlene Gunderson was born on October 17, 1934, in Fargo, North Dakota, to parents Knute and Ethel Langei. She shared her early family life with her parents; her siblings Kenny Langei and Catherine Beverly Langei; her Aunt Tootsie and Uncle Paul; and, following the death of her father and her mother’s later remarriage, her step-father, Edward Toms. After graduating from Renton High School, Shirley took a job as a secretary at Boeing, where she met her husband, Frank Gunderson. They married and had four children, Ken, Jeff, Cathy, and Becky. She eventually became a grandmother to eight grandchildren, Robin, Louis, Eric, Kevin, Christian, Judy, Kelly, and Andrew, and a great-grandmother to Gabriel. Shirley and Frank raised their children in Renton, Washington, and Simi Valley, California, and later lived in Boise, Idaho. Their lives always centered on family, and across decades and states, they formed close ties to friends and their church. In addition to spending time with family and friends, Shirley took joy in being active in the world. In each of her homes, she loved gardening, cultivating beautiful gardens filled with color and an abundance of roses and irises. She also loved baking, especially pies with fruit grown from her own backyard fruit trees. Shirley bowled competitively, winning a number of trophies in her league, and was a coveted pinochle partner during many nights spent playing cards. After her kids were grown, she brought her great attention to detail to her work as secretary and office manager at Frank’s law firm, keeping things in fine order. She delighted in finding great deals at Kmart and the Swap Meet, especially on her beloved Hallmark ornaments. And she loved celebrating Christmas, making the holiday magical for her family through traditions of decorating sugar cookies, Christmas trees, and so much more. As a wife and mother Shirley was love, selfless love made tangible through continual acts of care—homemade hot chocolate at the end of the night, hand-sewn clothes, homemade cookies for kids and all their friends. But it was more than this. In her hands, each day became an expression of love, which gifted a foundation of care and security that stretched across her children’s lifetimes—and ripples on and on across generations. To all of her family, Shirley was an example of unwavering faith and devotion. Her life, from her youngest years to her last few days, was guided by her love of God, her love of family, and her deep well of inner grace. Her presence on this earth was an immense, incredible blessing and gift. Her love is everlasting. Donations in Shirley’s honor are held in much appreciation, and may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. We love you, Shirley. We love you, Mom. We love you, Grandma. We love you, GG. Always.