Raymond D. Gunderson

Raymond D. Gunderson, age 91, of Hot Springs, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023.

He was born on March 3, 1931, in Mound City, S.D., the son of Alfred Gunderson and Verna Johnson Gunderson. He was raised on his parents’ farm in Campbell County and attended country schools until high school. He attended high school in Glenham, S.D., where he graduated in 1950. In high school, he participated in basketball and track.

Ray, better known to his family as Dean, helped his parents on the farm and joined the United States Navy in September 1950. He spent all four years on a destroyer, the USS John W. Weeks. He was a machinist mate.

On Aug. 14, 1953, Dean married Virginia Fiedler in Charleston, S.C. They had four children, Steve, Randy, Melissa and Jamie. He was discharged from the Navy in July of 1954 and worked construction. Dean went to work for Al Johnson Construction for 33 1/2 years and retired in 1990 and moved to Hot Springs, Ark.

Dean is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Virginia Gunderson; son, Steve; daughter, Jamie Colvin (Mike); 10 grandchildren, Eric Gunderson, Seth Gunderson (Ashlee), Garrett Gunderson, Christine James, Meris Burson (Cass), Lynsey Johnson (Matthew), Ryne Colvin (Brooke), Emma Colvin, Dean Colvin and Drew Colvin; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; several nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Randy; daughter, Melissa; two sisters, Nola Gunderson and Betty Lindeman; one brother, Wayne Gunderson; four brothers-in-law, Le Moyne Fiedler, Stu Fiedler, Gary Fiedler and Albert Lindeman; four sisters-in-law, Kate Gunderson, Geraldine Darnell, Geri Gunderson and Jeri Fiedler; and niece, Jody Olhieser.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 1, 2023, with Brother Scott Gallimore officiating in the Smith Family Funeral Home chapel, Hot Springs. Visitation will be 9 a.m., prior to the service.

Interment will be in the Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery with full military honors.

Pallbearers are his 10 grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearer is his friend, Roger White.

Guest registry is at http://www.smithfamilycares.com.