Eugene “Peanuts” Gunderson, age 83, of Iola, WI, passed away Saturday, February 3, at his residence.
Eugene was born in Amherst Jct., Wisconsin on July 26, 1934, a son of the late Agnes Gertie (Mork) and Morris Gunderson. Peanuts married Janet Jacobson on June 22, 1957. Peanuts was a hard worker. When he was young he worked with his dad and brothers building houses. He served in the United States Army for two years. He began farming….in the 60s. He took pride in everything he would do whether it was farming, wood-working, carpentry or restoring tractors. Peanuts was a proud husband, friend and father who loved the mornings, it was the best part of the day. His favorite hobbies included, fishing, turkey hunting, watching football games, restoring tractors, feeding the birds, chasing the squirrels away, playing dominoes with friends and neighbors. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends around the dinner table or the picnic table was a good time for him to goof and joke. He liked being outside and in “The Shop”, was his favorite place to be. He also liked listening to his polka music and taking a nap in his chair. Peanuts had sayings that were known by many such as – “See ya around like a donut”, -”You betcha”, and many others that can’t be mentioned. He was a proud Norwegian that liked meatballs but hated Lutefisk. Imagine that! “See ya around like a donut!”
He is survived by his wife, Janet Gunderson, of Iola; daughters: Julie Woyak, of Elderon; Tami (Pat Hedstrom) Gunderson, of Tomahawk and Shari (Brett) Boehnlein, of Stevens Point; six-grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one- great-great-grandchild; sisters-in-law, Joan Gunderson of Iola and Betty Gunderson of Iola; brothers and sisters-in-law, Marlyn and Diane Jacobson of Scandinavia and Gary and Sue Jacobson of Iola. Peanuts is also survived by nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by brothers, Kenneth Gunderson, Lavern “Pete” Gunderson and son-in-law, Mark Woyak.
Memorial Service will be held at Northland Lutheran Church at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 12th, with Reverend Dan Somers officiating. Visitation will be held Monday, 11 a.m. -1 p.m. at Northland Lutheran Church. Register Book and online condolences may be sent by visiting www.voiefuneralhome.com. Voie Funeral Home in Iola is handling the arrangements.