Merton S. Gunnelson
January 01, 1924 - June 20, 2017
Obituary
MADISON/COTTAGE GROVE/Merton S. Gunnelson, age 93, of Sun Prairie, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at Willows Nursing and Rehab Center. He was born on Jan. 1, 1924, in Rio, WI, the son of George and Ellen (Lee) Gunnelson. Merton married Wilma Gannon on Jan.y 28, 1950. After getting married, they moved to Madison where they raised their children, and lived the rest of their days. He graduated from Rio High School. After graduating, he served in the Army during World War II. He was an incredibly hard worker and dedicated his life to many different jobs over the years, most notably working in maintenance for Oscar Mayer, Inc. until his retirement in 1986. He was a longtime member of the Grieg Club, American Legion Post No. 501, and a lifetime member of VFW Post No. 7591. Merton enjoyed fixing things. He was always tinkering with his lawn mowers or any small engines. He loved bird watching, gardening, fishing, and above all, spending time with his family. He was a wonderful and caring husband, father, and grandfather and will be dearly missed. Merton is survived by daughter, Jean Clavette; son, James (Christine) Gunnelson; grandchildren, Tiffany, Brandon (Vicki), Jenny, Shawn, and Chad; six great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his very special friend, Doris Gassen and her family. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Wilma Gunnelson; daughter, Nancy Conrad; grandson, Chris Conrad; his brothers and sisters; and son-in-law, Dan Clavette. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 26, 2017. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. A luncheon will follow the burial at the VFW POST No. 7591 at 301 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison. A special thank you to the staff at the Willows Nursing and Rehab Center and Aster Assisted Living for all their compassionate care over the years. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care5203 Monona Drive608-221-5420
Events
Visitation
Mon Jun 26, 2017 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Mon Jun 26, 2017 @ 11:30 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Merton have been shared yet.
Memories
CC
Cathi Willette, Secretary of the Board of Directors of the former Grieg Club
Other •
My sympathies to all of you in Mert's family. Mert was a long-time member of The Grieg Social Club and that is is how I knew him. I know he liked to come to our Club to socialize, play cards and have a good time with his friends. I recall that he & Becky Bryant would debate which of them had been a member of the Club longer!! RIP Mert!!!
TF
Tom Cantwell, Badger Honor Flight
Other •
The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, Merton Gunnelson. We are thankful for his military service and proud to have served him on his trip to Washington, D.C. on October 13, 2012
AB
Alice Brott
Other •
My heart goes out to Mert's family and to his long time friend, Doris!! All though I've only known Doris three years, I have gotten to known Mert thru Doris' s stories she shared! And wonderful stories they were! You have my deepest sympathy and prayers.
Alice Brott, Doris Gassen's neighbor.