Bob Gunderson

Bob Gunderson, 96, of Des Moines, Iowa passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2026.  He was born in Frost, MN on November 22, 1929 to Freda and Joe Gunderson. Bob is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary Lou; four children, daughter, Sigrid (Lane) of Charles City, IA, son, Joe (Mary Pat) of Des Moines, IA, son, Bill (Laura) of Boulder, CO, and son, Jim (Jody) of St. Louis, MO as well as eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and sisters, Joann Jorgensen of Northfield, MN and Claire Heimarck of Leona, NJ.

Bob had many fond memories of his father's regular evening coffee meetings with local businessmen to discuss business topics at their home in Blue Earth while he was growing up. These ongoing stories of various business successes and failures created a life-long interest for Bob. After graduating from Blue Earth High School Bob went onto to get his Business Degree from the University of Minnesota prior to going into the service during the Korean War. During the Korean War he was stationed along the Chosin Reservoir with a forward unit. He took the opportunity during his free time to volunteer at a local orphanage and solicited gently used toys and clothing from friends and family back in Minnesota to give to the children. He enjoyed remembering seeing the Golden Gate Bridge from the deck of a Troop ship as he returned from the war and knowing he was home.

Upon returning from Korea, Bob enjoyed a successful stint at General Electric Co as a traveling auditor, based out of the corporate office in Schenectady, NY. After eight years at GE, he pursued his entrepreneur passions by managing the growth at Whink Products Company in Eldora, IA. He spent over 40 years at Whink Products, most of the time as President. Once he retired, Bob and his wife, Mary Lou, spent 14 years in Tucson, Arizona where they enjoyed walks in the desert, the community and the many friends they made while living there.

Bob is remembered for his love of family and community. Bob was an active member of Rotary International in both Eldora and Tucson, Arizona, the Eldora City Council, the Eldora Community School Board, a volunteer at an elementary school reading program in Tucson and charitable efforts in Mexico through the Tucson Rotary International Chapter. He and Mary Lou were also committed to environmental efforts culminating in protecting the Iowa River Greenbelt area for future generations to enjoy. This 42 mile stretch of the Iowa River Valley connects to Pine Lake State Park, Calkin's Nature Center and other parks and historic places.

Bob will be missed by his family and many friends from Eldora, Tucson & Des Moines. Donations in Bob's memory can be made to the Iowa River Greenbelt or Rotary International.