John E. Gunderson, 68, of Eland, died on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at his home.
John was born on September 24, 1957, in Illinois. The child of George and Helen (Collins) Gunderson.
John got much joy out of life but most of all he enjoyed cooking, being outdoors, watching the wildlife, and building things. John found that like his father before him he was an entrepreneur at heart and he proceeded to have his own contracting business which gave him opportunity to show off his workmanship and skill. Eventually due to some health issues he couldn’t work for himself any longer and he began working at Kolbe and Kolbe windows. But his entrepreneurial spirt reappeared and that led him to becoming the owner of the Red Granite Bar and Grill. He entertained patrons with his wit and conversation and delighted their taste buds with his food and drinks. John was retired and spent the last years of his life making memories with those close to him and making his house the way he always thought it should be. He was having fun doing whatever he wanted on a daily basis and looked forward to a good cup of coffee while sitting on his porch watching the sunset and the deer.
John is survived by his son, Aaron Gunderson; three sisters, Marguerite (John) Moran, Georgina Fenton and Chrisanne (Curt) Arndt. John is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. John was preceded in death by his parents. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 4PM until 6 PM at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg.
