Donald “Geeta” Gunderson, 80, passed away Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Atrium Health Pineville. He transitioned quickly after having a stroke earlier that morning. He spent his last day with his daughters, Kelly and Megan, at his side.
Born July 10, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Donald was the son of the late Vivian Elayne Bender (Gunderson) and Eivind Palmer (E.P) Gunderson. He grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota and graduated early from high school with his goal set on joining the Navy. Don had fascinating stories about his time in Kodiak, Alaska where he was a meteorologist “weather- guesser.” After returning to Minnesota and spending a few years as a bailiff, Donald decided to go back to school to study court reporting. In typical Don fashion, he took a wrong turn and ended up at a different school, where he decided to enroll instead. As fate would have it, it was there that he met the love of his life, Randee Jean Felber, who was assigned to sit next to Donald based on last name. Randee relocated to Florida, where Don soon followed. It was there that they built a life and network of colleagues and friends. He had a significant 30-year Court Reporting career with Orange County Courthouse. On pay days, Don loved to head down Orange Avenue to the local cigar shop before continuing on a walk around Lake Eola.
Anyone who knew Don would probably describe him as dependable, punctual, hilarious, and one-of-a-kind. He was a lifelong jokester, storyteller, and animal lover. Don had a special talent for creating nicknames for everyone he met. He spent his senior years with family in North Carolina and was a proud choir member of Unity Charlotte. His loved ones fondly remember him singing songs with made up lyrics and dancing the “wounded whale.”
Don’s greatest relationship and joy was his wife, Randee Felber (Gunderson). They have been married since August 4, 1973. Geeta was also a loving father and grandfather and often boasted about his family to others. Between nap times, you would often find him strumming his guitar or reading books in his Man Cave. He also loved finding a thrifty lunch, golf, talking about politics, and meditating.
Don is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Randee Gunderson, three children, Kelly Gunderson (Borsum), Megan Gunderson (Orlando), and son William (Bill) McCollum, who Don was connected with later in his adult life. He has four beloved grandchildren, Ella (18), Amelia (18), Gavin (13), and 9 month-old Louisa “Little Lulu” Orlando. His sons-in-law, Bryan and Griffin were always special to him. Don’s sister, Judy Tills (Ron Tills), and his nephew, Chad (Danielle) Zenk-Tills, live in Minnesota. The Felbers and other extended family members were also an important part of his journey. Lifelong friend, Eric “The Rodent” Steneroden, maintained weekly check-ins and friendly golf bets with Don up until the very end.
In his retirement years, Don was active in finding ways to help others through volunteering at Seniors Helping Seniors and the Humane Society. For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider making a Tribute Donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or Red Dog Farm in Greensboro, North Carolina in lieu of flowers.
A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Donald on Friday, May 12, 2023 from 5:30-8:00 PM. Kindly review details of the event and RSVP using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/donald-gundersons-celebration-of-life-tickets-630281618287?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb
The family would also like to make others aware that Randee Gunderson was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's and is currently in the later stages of her disease and living in a memory care facility. She will remain unaware of her beloved Donnie's passing. If you are thinking of Randee and would like to send her a happiness greeting, please mail cards to Randee Gunderson C/O Kelly Borsum 7075 Meyer Road, Fort Mill, SC 29715.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Gunderson family.
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