Knute B. Gunderson

The following obituary is copied from the Austin Herald. Mr. Gunderson was formerly one of Lyle's respected citizens:

Knute B. Gunderson died at his home on the corner of Second and Baldwin streets Monday about noon at the age of almost eighty years. His death followed a six-months illness of asthma and bronchitis.

He was born in Kregro, Norway, on June 3, 1839. In 1861 her came to the United States and settled on a farm near Boscobel, Wis., where he lived for over thirty years. While here he assisted in the building of a Lutheran church. It is interesting to know that he was a member of the church of which Rev. Naess' father was pastor. In those days Mr. Gunderson was an able speaker and a devoted church worker. He often accompanied his pastor when field work was to be accomplished.

He was married in 1863 to Inger Johnson, who died in 1889. To this union was born eight children, three of whom died in infancy. Those left to mourn the loss of a kind father are, Mrs. Nels S. Nelson, who lives near Boscobel, Wis., J. Bennie Gunderson of Gary Minn., Gunder Gunderson, who resides on the old homestead in Wisconsin, Mrs. Oliver Larson and Mrs. Tom Martin, of Lyle.

In 1894 he moved to a farm near Lyle. Here he lived until seven years ago when he retired and moved to Austin. He was married to Julia Swenson in May, 1910, who survives him. He also leaves forty-two grandchildren.

The funeral services will be held at his late home Wednesday at 10:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev., J. N. Brown of the Lutheran church. The body will be taken to Mona, Iowa, where Rev. Moe assisted Rev. Brown will have charge of the burial in the Mona cemetery.

The death of this good man removes one from our community whom it was good to know, honest and upright in character, whose friendships were many, and whose life was well rounded, not only in years but in accomplishment of worthy tasks.