Deanna Joyce Gunderson

Deanna J. Gunderson, 87, of Sawyer, died unexpectedly at home on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Deanna was born July 7, 1938, in Marinette, WI, the second child of Ernest and Joyce (Fifarek) Lund. Deanna enjoyed her childhood growing up in Marinette playing with her siblings, riding her bike and meeting up with school chums at the park and the library.

Deanna was a 1956 graduate of Marinette High School. It was there during her senior year that she decided to train for secretarial work. After her graduation she left her job at the Woolworth’s lunch counter to join the staff at the M & M Credit Exchange. It was also during her senior year, while ice skating with her friends, that she met the love of her life.

Deanna married James W. Gunderson at Bethel Baptist Church in Marinette on February 9, 1958. Jim was home on leave from the United States Air Force, and they spent their honeymoon driving south to Florida to his new assignment at Tyndell Air Force Base in Panama City, FL. It was during their two years there that their daughter Laurie was born.

In 1960, after his discharge, Jim and Deanna returned home with Laurie to Menominee, Michigan where they set up house and waited for the arrival of their second daughter, Debra. In April of 1961 Jim graduated from the Michigan State Police and was posted first to Alpena, MI, then Bay City, MI, and his final post, New Buffalo in April 1972.

Deanna enjoyed her new life in Southwest Michigan. While applying for her library card in Three Oaks she heard of a bowling league that was looking for new members. She joined the “Tuesday Morning Early Risers” and bowled on team sponsored by The Gazette for over 20 years. Deanna was a voracious reader, enjoyed gardening, building puzzles, attending the theatre and traveling with her daughters, especially if it was to attend a Detroit Tigers baseball game.

Deanna is survived by her daughters, Laurie Koehler and Debra Gunderson, both of Three Oaks; grandson, Jordan (Sandra) Koehler of Kalamazoo, MI; and granddaughter, Rachel (Chad) Mars of Three Oaks, MI; sister, Dallis (Gladwin) Anderson of Menominee, MI; sister-in-law, Bonnie Lund of Stevens Point, WI, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Robert (Barb) Gunderson, Jon (Mary Ann) Gunderson, and Forrest (Rocky) Coleman; and sisters-in-law, Ruth (Bob) Jome and Ellen Swanson.

Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 64 years James, and her brothers, Donald and Drew Lund, and her sister-in-law Linda Lund.

Cremation has occurred and per Deanna’s wishes there will be no services, and her ashes will be interred at Riverside Cemetery in Three Oaks.

Memorial contributions can be made in Deanna’s name to the Three Oaks Public Library, 3 North Elm, Three Oaks, MI 49128.

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.