Jerome Odell Gunderson, age 93, of Mabel, died Monday, December 19, 2016 at Gundersen-Tweeten Health Care in Spring Grove.
Jerome was born January 7, 1923 in rural Spring Grove, Minn., to Benjamin and Othilde (Langlie) Gunderson. He attended rural schools and the Spring Grove High School. After High School he farmed with his father.
On May 30, 1943 he married Maxine Wright. They continued to farm until 1969 when Jerome became an insurance agent in Mabel. From January, 1977 to January 1981 Jerome served in the Minnesota State Senate. Maxine later died on February 14, 2001.
Jerome was especially concerned with underprivileged people and worked as a volunteer in several areas for the physically and mentally handicapped. Jerome later married Marjorie Olson (now deceased and mother of Pat, Ron, and Sherry).
Jerome was blessed with five children: Gary (Cheryl) of Canton, James (Sheree) of Stewartville, Tony (Myrna) of Florence, Ariz.; Jean (Terry) Ingvalson of Mabel, and Jerome Wayne (Sonya) of Baxter, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, January 2, 2017 at the Mabel First Lutheran Church in Mabel, with Rev. Elliott Malm officiating. Burial of the cremains will held at a later date in the Mabel Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-5 p.m. Sunday, January 1, 2017 at the Mabel First Lutheran Church in Mabel. Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting the family with arrangements.