Kenneth “Ken” Gunderson

OTTAWA — Kenneth "Ken" Gunderson, 99, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, Dec. 22, at Pleasant View Luther Home.

Funeral Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, at Ottawa Funeral Home, with Pastor David Ufkes officiating. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m., prior to services, at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery, with military honors.

Ken was born Nov. 23, 1919, in Marseilles to Barney and Selma (Bensen) Gunderson. He married Catherine "Kitty" Kelly Jan. 14, 1950, at St. Columba Church in Ottawa; she passed away May 15, 2017.

Ken graduated from Marseilles High School in 1937. He was employed at Nabisco for 45 3/4 years, rising from office boy, to administrative assistant to the general manager. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. He was past president of Illinois Valley Personnel Management Association. Ken was also a charter member of Kiwanis Club of Ottawa Golden K, and past president for four terms, then treasurer for 12 years. He served on the Personal Advisory Board for state of Illinois and served as an arbitrator for disputes between the state of Illinois vs employees.

Ken proudly served in the armed forces during World War II as secretary to Major General Landrum during the occupation of the Aleutian Islands, until the island was established. He was then in charge of communications for headquarters until returning to the United States in January 1945. After recuperation in Miami, he was sent to Fort Dix, N.J., where he was in charge of Department of Discharge until his own discharge in the end of November 1945.

He is survived by one daughter, Cynthia Nelson, of Satellite Beach, Fla.; one grandson, Ryan Nelson of Phoenix, Ariz.; and one niece, Nancy Rasmusson of Williamsville, N.Y.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kitty; his parents, and his siblings, Beeman Gunderson and Sylive Torkelson.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at ottawafuneralhome.com
 
Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory

1111 La Salle St., Ottawa, IL 61350

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