RAENOLD VINCENT GUNDERSEN, 92, a longtime resident of the Burlington area, passed away on Thursday February 26, 2004 at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon.
He was born on June 21, 1911 in Albia, Iowa, the son of Martin & Mary Lind Gundersen. The Gundersen family moved to Burlington around 1918 and there Rae attended grade school and graduated from Burlington High School in 1929. After his education Rae worked as an iron worker in the construction industry. He was involved in the construction of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Deception Pass Bridge and the old Mount Vernon Bridge. He also worked on the Diablo and Ross Dams in the upper Skagit Valley. He retired in 1971 after over 40 years in the construction field. After his retirement he enjoyed helping family and friends with their building projects. He was united in marriage to Laura Elma King in Seattle on November 20, 1937 and they made their home in Burlington. Laura preceded him in death in 1983.
He was a charter member of the Iron Workers Union # 505 in Bellingham, a Life Member of the Grand Lodge # 254, F. & A. M. in Burlington and a longtime member of the Allen-Blanchard United Methodist Church in Bow.
He is survived by children and their spouses, Kenneth & Jodi Gundersen of Bow, and Myrna & Jim Loop of Sedro-Woolley. 4 grandchildren and their spouses, Melinda & Jim Bucy, Marcie & Keith O’Bryan, Darcie & Mike Bagott and Jeff & Stacy Gundersen. 9 great- grandchildren, Sean, Jay & Steven Bucy, Tegan & Ian O’Bryan, Quincy, Riley & John Gundersen and Emily Bagott. 1 brother Robert Gundersen in California, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by 2 brothers and 1 sister.
Memorials are suggested to the Allen-Blanchard United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.
Graveside services will be held on Tuesday March 2, 2004 at 11:00 AM at the Burlington Cemetery. Reverend Karen Clausel officiating. A fellowship will follow at the Allen-Blanchard United Methodist Church.
Visitation available at and services under direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share memories of Raenold and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com