ROCKFORD, IL (February 28, 2020) – Retired Covenant pastor Thomas K. Gundersen died Saturday, Feb. 22. He was 88.
Tom was born January 3, 1932, in Negaunee, Mich., to Carl and Signe (Fond) Gundersen. He graduated from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., and was ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church in 1990.
He married Beverly Veenstra on June 16, 1956. After she died, Tom married Norma L. (Stokes) Hugdahl on May 5, 2002.
He served Calvary Covenant Church of Grantsburg, Wis.; Siren (Wis.) Covenant Church; and Salem Covenant Church of Pennock, Minn., before retiring in 1993.
After Tom retired, he and Norma worshiped at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Belvidere, Ill. Tom enjoyed doing projects in his workshop and was given the nickname “Worker Man Tom” by one of his great-grandchildren.
He is survived by Norma; children Bethann Gundersen and Timothy (Desiree) Gundersen; stepchildren Faith (Sam) Clay, Dave (Beth) Hugdahl, Jan Fiedler, Doug (Connie) Hugdahl; sister Carol Kuhrt; five grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Beverly; a daughter, April; and a granddaughter, Sarah; as well as a brother, Leonard Gundersen; and a sister, Marilyn Lechleitner.
The funeral was held Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the Belvidere Covenant Church. Burial will be in Ancarius Cemetery near Grantsburg.
Memorial contributions can be given in care of Evangelical Covenant Church, 220 E. Harrison Street, Belvidere, IL 61008, or World Mission Prayer League, 232 Clifton Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403 in Thomas K Gundersen’s name.
