Leah B. Gunderson

June 6, 1934 - June 14, 2021

Leah B. Gunderson, 87, of Lowell passed away Monday, June 14. She is survived by her children, Mark (Sonia) Gunderson, Kay (Jeff) Langedyke; grandchildren, Bobbie Ann (Joel) Bodenman, Jennifer (Ryan) Hammons, Melissa (Matt) Smith, Nicholas (Anne) Langedyke, Katherine (Jason) Moore, Kristen (Riann Collins) Langedyke, Marcus Gunderson, Madison (Michael) Alexander; 12 great grandchildren; brother, Roger (Shirley) Larson; and her beloved Yorkie, Bella.

Preceded in death by her husband, Morton; parents, Elmer Larson and Louise Gorski; siblings, Kay Larson and David Larson. Leah was born on June 6, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating high school she earned dual Bachelors’ degrees in English and Parks & Recreation from Valparaiso University. There she met her future husband Morton Gunderson. She later earned a Master’s degree in both Parks & Recreation and Education Supervision from Indiana University. Leah was an educator for 31 years; 21 of those years as a physical education instructor at Lowell Middle School. She had also taught 3rd grade, 5th grade, English and Health during her career. Leah served her community in many ways including membership in the American Heart Association and American Red Cross; involved in senior citizen causes; and most notably Lowell Parks and Recreation, Indiana Parks & Recreation, and National Parks & Recreation Associations. In 2006, she received the NRPA meritorious service citizen award. Leah loved to travel.

She was an ambassador with People to People traveling to China, South Korea and Japan. She also traveled to Kenya, Egypt, Galapagos, Bhutan, Sweden, Norway, British Isles, France, Germany, Denmark, Russia, Canada, Antarctica, Austria, New Zealand, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, Italy, Easter Island, and many other exotic places around the globe. Leah loved music, particularly Opera. She was also an accomplished artist and enjoyed painting. She spent a lot of her time painting in the Smokey and Rocky Mountains. Leah taught us all to make the most out of our lives. She will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, Leah requested memorial contributions to Lowell’s Dog Park, 501 E. Main Street Lowell.

Visitation, Friday, June 18 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. with Funeral Service following at 12 p.m., all at Trinity Lutheran Church, 631 W. Commercial Ave, Lowell. Private Burial will take place in New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth. Sheets Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Lowell. www.sheetsfuneral.com