Alvin V. Gunderson Jr.

Alvin V. Gunderson, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Ammon on November 30, 2023. In spite of the fact that he was mostly blind and endured several other health issues, Alvin was interested in his family and being aware of what was happening in the world up until the end. He was under the care of his loving family and Enhabit Hospice.

Alvin was born September 13, 1934, in Menan, Idaho, in the lava rock house that his parents, Alvin Vern Gunderson Sr. "Vern" and Erma Matilda Olsen Gunderson, shared with his grandparents. Eventually, Alvin had four younger brothers. He attended schools in Menan and Rigby, and learned to work hard on the farm with his father and grandfather, Ed. Alvin eventually attended Brigham Young University and received his Bachelors of Science Degree.

One of the highlights of his life was serving a church mission for three years in New Zealand and helping to build the temple there. He gained a great love for the Maori people and the country, which he spoke of often.

Upon his return, he met Yolanda Gibbs, a beautiful young nurse at the health center at BYU. They were married on June 6, 1958, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Al and Yolanda lived mostly in Idaho Falls where they raised their six children, Denise, Brad, Brian, Lisa, Margo and Jon. Al originally worked for J.R. Simplot selling fertilizer. He raised potatoes for one year and then found his career selling life insurance. He had a sincere interest in people and was known for his good heart.

Al and Yolanda enjoyed traveling. They were blessed to visit many places throughout the world together. A highlight for them was returning to New Zealand 50 years after Al had served his mission there. They also served several temple missions as a couple, Nauvoo, Washington D.C., and Idaho Falls. They cherished the friends they made during each of these adventures. Al also enjoyed good music. Each Sunday morning he tuned into a classical music station for the day.

Above all else, Alvin was exceptionally proud of his family. He stoically supported, continually encouraged, cheered them on, and bragged about them incessantly.

Alvin is survived by his wife of 64 years, Yolanda; his six children, Denise (Floyd) Oberg, Brad (Kadi) Gunderson, Brian (Margo) Gunderson, Lisa (Clay) Ellingford, Margo (Alan) Cullimore, and Jon  (Nicole) Gunderson; 26 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Erma Gunderson, and a brother, Kay.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Idaho Falls Stonehaven Ward, 2055 Coronado Street. The family will visit with friends on Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Annis-Little Butte Cemetery.

Services will be broadcast live here .