Nadine Gunderson

Nadine Gunderson, 71, Grand Forks, died Monday, December 6, 2021, in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. Although completely vaccinated, Nadine died from COVID-19.

Mary Nadine Kenny, the only child of Richard and Marguerite (Cook) Kenny, was born on September 3, 1950, at Grafton, North Dakota. Her parents died when she was young, and Nadine would eventually spend several years living at Mount Saint Benedict, Crookston. The summer before her senior year of high school, the Ted and Bev O’Connor Family, Grafton, took her in as a foster child. This big, fun family remained an important, much-loved part of her life until the day she passed. Nadine graduated from Grafton High School. She then attended Mayville State University.

Nadine married Larry Larson in 1970, and to this union, three children were born: Holly, Ryan, and Regan. Nadine went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota-Crookston in Hospitality and Restaurant Management. She enjoyed several jobs over the years, including working at hotels, as a travel agent, and as an inside sales representative at US Foods.

On May 21, 2005, she married Bradley Gunderson in Grand Forks. Through marriage, Nadine gained Brad’s daughter, Kjerstin. Nadine and Brad enjoyed traveling, with a trip to Ireland a highlight. Nadine was very proud of her Irish heritage. She also loved the water and was at peace anytime she could hear the waves crash.

Nadine received the gift of life on April 2, 2008, when Margo Colenso, Grand Forks, donated her a kidney. This gift allowed Nadine the opportunity to live a life without illness and worry. There are no words to express the gratitude Nadine and her family felt for this gift and the friendship of Margo and her husband, Pastor Tom Colenso.

After spending years going to her children’s activities, Nadine then enjoyed attending the events of her beloved grandchildren. She went to sporting events, music concerts, church programs, plays, and dance recitals. After each event, she would pull a treat out of her purse for the participant and one for their sibling to keep things fair.

Nadine is survived by her husband, Bradley; children, Holly (Bill) Anderson and sons, Tom and Jack, Crookston; Ryan (Kari) Larson and sons Zachary and Jayse, Edinburg; and Regan Larson (Marshelle Rutten), Edinburg; stepdaughter, Kjerstin (Jonah) Foster and daughters Abigail and Olivia, Spangdahlem AB, Germany. She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws Jan and Oben Gunderson, and her beloved dog, Snickers.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, in University Lutheran Church, Grand Forks. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Prayer Service on Monday, December 13, 2021, in Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks. Interment will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks. 

The funeral service will be available via livestream on the University Lutheran Church Facebook page for those unable to attend in person. 

Memorials are preferred to University Lutheran Church or the Transplant House, Rochester, Minnesota.