It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Helen Gunderson, 97, of Parker, SD, SD — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
These words are offered in her memory — small, but heartfelt.
Helen entered this world in 1928 — the start of a journey that would span 97 years.
Helen spent her working life as ['nine years'] and held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
The traditions Helen loved will continue to hold those she loved.
Helen Louise Gunderson, 97, died on Monday, September 15, 2025 in Omaha, NE. She was born to Henry and Adeline 'Dolly' (Gordon) Milbauer on March 15, 1928 west of Irene, SD on the farm that her maternal grandfather homesteaded. The family lived in Yankton County in the Mayfield and Walshtown communities until 1944 when her parents bought a farm north of Parker, SD. She graduated from Parker High School in 1946. On November 28, 1948 she married Lee E Gunderson. They started farming near Wall Lake and five years later moved northeast of Parker. In 1965 they bought the former Boese farm north of Parker. They farmed together for 28 years prior to Lee's sudden death in 1977. She moved to Sioux Falls a year later.Helen went to work off the farm after Lee's death. She worked as a Teacher's Aide at Parker Elementary School and at Franklin School in Sioux Falls. She then worked at Dayton's Department Store where she cleaned for one day. She said cleaning was much harder than walking the bean fields, so she moved to the Gift Wrap Department, which she loved. Her next position was at Aid Association for Lutherans (now Thrivent) where she worked for nine years. After retirement, she joined Bible Study Fellowship and also volunteered at Sanford Gift Shop for 24 years. She was always involved in Bible Studies and the Katie Circle. She enjoyed playing Mah Jongg, cards with friends, and traveling. In 2018 Helen moved to Bellevue, NE to be near her daughter.She was preceded in death by her husband Lee; daughter-in-law Pam; a stillborn grandson; parents Henry & Dolly Milbauer; parents-in-law Herman & Christine Gunderson; siblings: Muriel & Sandy Lee, Robert & Doris Milbauer, and Ruth & Lewis Peterson; and in-laws: Harvey & Theresa Gunderson, Russ & Mary Gunderson, Kay & Earl Wieman, Marvin Gunderson, Jerome & Dollie Gunderson, Lois & Max Kraemer, Eunice & Francis Otto & Bob Duerksen, and Harold & Shirley Gunderson. Helen claimed all of Lee's family as dear to her and talked how blessed she was to have married into that family. Both her family and Lee's family were a great blessing to her over her lifetime.Grateful for having shared her life are her children: Mark of Colorado Springs, CO; David of Box Elder, SD and Marsha of Bellevue, NE; Mark's children: Jason, Jennifer and Jeri; David's children: Lee and Rex (Angela). Ten great-grandchildren: Caleb, Tristan, Sebastian, Sydney, Thaddeus, Celia, Tatum, Chase, Morgan & Teagen and many beloved nieces and nephews & their families.A funeral will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, Parker, SD, on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 10:00. A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm on Friday, September 19 at Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home in Parker. Helen's final resting place is Heaven. Her remains will be laid to rest at Rosehill Cemetery, Parker until the Day of Resurrection. "I tell you for certain that the time will come, and it is already here, when all of the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen to it will live!" - John 5:25"In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to a charity of your choice."
