Muriel Gunderson

Muriel Anna-Eileen Gunderson of Great Falls passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at the age of 91. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 20, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at O’Connor Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 2:00 pm at O’Connor Memorial Chapel. Services will take place under the direction of O’Connor Funeral Home. Muriel was born on July 11, 1924 to parents, John and Dorothy Wells in Climax, Saskatchewan Canada. She was raised on the family farm with two older brothers, Gerald and Charlie. After graduating high school she worked at a photography studio in Regina, Saskatchewan, there she met her life-long friend, Anne Sparks. Muriel loved to attend local dances, which is where she met Martin Tilfred Gunderson. On February 23, 1946, they were married and then moved to Montana, they lived a sort of nomadic lifestyle due to Martin’s job as a repairman for the Montana Elevator Company. After, their three boys were born; Muriel insisted they settle down to provide a more stable home for their growing family. In 1953, Martin built their family home in Great Falls. There they raised their 6 children. Muriel was a full-time homemaker who volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and was active in the Boy Scouts of America. She enjoyed gardening, bowling, camping and on rare occasions – a Crème de menthe. Not too many people know, but she had a wild side and was always up for a little adventure. While Martin continued to travel, she would gather the camping supplies, pack up all the kids for the weekend and head down the open road to meet him at a lake near his jobsite. She was also a long standing member of the Sons of Norway, Elks, VFW and Eagles Ladies Auxiliaries. A unique soul, Muriel was a very soft-spoken woman who kept life’s tribulations close to her heart, but found fulfillment in dedicating herself to her family. While her quiet humor and gentle smile will be greatly missed; our family is comforted knowing she has taken Dad/Grandpa’s hand again to live in eternal peace. Muriel leaves behind her children, Mervin (Patty) Gunderson of Belgrade, Merle (Leanna) Gunderson of Great Falls, Myrna (Lloyd) Moore-Rabbit of Hash, KY, Myra Gunderson of Albuquerque, NM, and Marty Gunderson of Great Falls; 10 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; a great-great grandchild, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, brothers and two grandchildren.