Gary R. Lunda

MADISON - Gary Richard Lunda, age 91, of Madison, passed away peacefully at home, on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, surrounded by his family after battling pancreatic cancer. He was born on July 16, 1930, in Dodgeville, Wis., the son of Edward and Clarice (Peterson) Lunda. Gary graduated from Hollandale High School in 1948. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1950, where he served in Tripoli, Libya, then was honorably discharged in 1952. Gary married his wife, Leatrice (Retrum) Lunda, in 1955 in Hollandale, Wis. He graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a Bachelor’s degree in 1958. Gary initially worked for Federal Crop Insurance while also helping on the family farm. In 1964, he took a position as a claims adjuster with American Family Insurance in Kaukauna, where he and his wife raised their family. In 1979, he transferred to American Family’s Madison office, where he spent the remainder of his 31 years with the company, until his retirement in 1995. Throughout his life, Gary was an avid hunter, fisherman and sports fan (Packers, Brewers and Badgers). He also enjoyed golfing and vacationing with his wife and family. He travelled extensively to other countries with Leatrice and enjoyed visiting his grandchildren. Gary is survived by the love of his life and wife, Leatrice; children, Scott (Linda) Lunda, Pamela Lunda (Robert Van Handel) and Todd Lunda; grandchildren, Tom, Natalie and Sophie Lunda; sister, Lynn LaReau; brothers and sisters-in-law, Rodger (Leone) Jacobson and Merton (DeLayne) Retrum; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mina; and mother and father-in law, Milford and Ione Retrum. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Heartland Hospice for their diligent and loving care of Gary in his final days. Gary was a member of LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4032 Monona Drive, Madison, Wis., where the service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420