Laura Jean Gunderson

Laura Jean Gunderson (Allen), age 89 of Hugo. Loving wife, mother, aunt and friend. Laura was called home to be with Jesus on March 21, 2026.

Preceded in death by her parents Fred and Loraine Allen; brother Marcus (Rose) Allen, and sisters Gertrude (Willis) Woodbeck, Marguerite (Edward) Frasczak and Wanda (James) Erickson. Survived by husband of 55 years Jerome, children Susan (Michelle Black) and Lori Erding (Michael), and many other relatives & friends.

Laura was born on December 23, 1936 in St. Paul, MN. She grew up on the East side of St Paul as the youngest of 5. Her mother passed when Laura was very young and she was raised by her father Fred with the help of her eldest sister Gert. Laura graduated from Johnson High School in 1954 and went to work for the Great Northern Railroad.

Laura married, gave birth to her daughter Sue, and was later divorced. Her father Fred moved in and helped care for Sue as Laura worked. Several years later Laura met and married the love of her life Jerry Gunderson. They were wed on June 27, 1970. Laura “retired” from the railroad to be a stay-at-home mom, and the family moved to Sioux City, IA where Jerry was working as a salesman for Curtis 1000. Laura gave birth to her daughter Lori and the family then moved to what would become their forever home in Hugo, MN. Her father Fred moved in with the family and Laura cared for him until he passed in 1975.

While Laura managed the home and cared for her family, she also cleaned houses for many years. Jerry and Laura were founding members of the New Life Church in Hugo (originally named Shephard of the Fields) and they still have many long-time friends from church.

Laura was well known for her kindness but also for her wonderful sense of humor and quick wit. Her laugh was fabulous, many times coming out before she could even finish telling her joke! She was the queen of sarcastic humor and could tease and be teased all in good fun. Laura was also very sentimental, always rooting for the underdog and always giving love and encouragement freely.

Laura loved Jerry so much and the love and laughter they shared created a wonderful environment for raising their children. She was an amazing mom to Sue and Lori and a sweet second-mom figure to her daughter and son-in-law and the kids in the neighborhood and at church.

Laura was lovingly cared for by Jerry during her last years as her health failed. His care allowed her to stay at home with him up to the last days when she passed from a short illness. Sue and Lori are so very grateful to Jerry for all his love and support for Laura.

While we are all grieved by her passing, we all know it is only temporary and that we will see her again in Heaven! Welcome home Mom!

A small, private service will be held at Kok Funeral Home in Cottage Grove, MN. Burial will be at Leavitt Cemetery in Hastings, MN. The family gratefully appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time.