James Gunderson Obituary

SAWYER - James W. Gunderson, 83, of Sawyer, died Sunday May 29, 2022, in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Born Oct. 9, 1938, in Menominee, Mich., he was the son of Harry and Emerald (Jossart) Gunderson. He married Deanna (Lund) Feb. 9, 1958.

After graduating from Menominee High School in 1956, he served in the U.S. Air Force. In 1961, he joined the Michigan State Police and served as a trooper in Alpena, Mich., and Bay City, Mich., retiring from New Buffalo as a detective sergeant. He then served as a lieutenant and chief of police with the Chikaming Township Police Department.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, reading, and watching football. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Three Oaks American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Deanna; and daughters: Laurie Koehler and Debra Gunderson; grandson, Jordan (Sandra) Koehler; granddaughter, Rachel (Chad) Mars; brothers: Robert (Barb) Gunderson and Jon (Mary Ann) Gunderson; sisters: Ruth (Robert) Jome and Ellen Swanson; brother-in-law, Forrest (Rocky) Coleman; sister-in-law, Roberta Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters: June, Dorothy Anderson, Lois Smith, Sue Joy Coleman; brother, Donald Gunderson; sister-in-law, Margaret Enos; and brothers-in-law, Fred Anderson and William Swanson.

A graveside service with military honors was held on Tuesday, June 7, Riverside Cemetery, Three Oaks. Memorial contributions can be made to: Trinity Lutheran Church, 5791 Sawyer Road, Sawyer, MI 49125

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman.