The Gunderson Funeral Home family tradition started in 1922, founded by Elmer and Inez Gunderson. After serving for his country in World War I, Elmer returned home and built the original funeral home.  “As a medical corpsman, Elmer was responsible for the handling of the deceased on the battlefield.  This inspired him to pursue funeral directing in order to help his neighbors and friends through difficult times,” says Pete, the firm’s current president.

The first funeral home was located at Shenk’s Corners, a central commercial area on Madison’s East Side, where many of the residents were of Norwegian ancestry.

After Elmer’s death at a relatively young age, Inez, with six young children, boldly became a licensed funeral director at a time when there were very few women funeral directors.  Their son, Robert “Bob,” joined the family owned business after serving in the Navy in World War II.  Bob soon received his associate degree from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science.

Gunderson Funeral Home added three more establishments during the 1980’s, purchasing the Booth Funeral Home in Oregon and the Gruber Funeral Homes in Middleton and Cross Plains.  The latest addition to the Gunderson Funeral Home was built with its own crematory in Stoughton in 1994.

Bob passed the torch to his son, Pete, who joined the firm in 1982, upon graduating from the University of Minnesota.  Bob continued as the “face” of the company until the time of his death in 2005, having more than 50 years of service to his community.

Pete gained exposure to the family business as a youngster by washing windows, painting stripes on the parking area, and mowing the lawn.  He says that he would encourage his own three children to
consider a career in the funeral services.

Pete has continued the tradition of care, as well as building on the history of service by developing a full and unique aftercare program, adding memorial programs and supporting community grief programs.

“There is a lot of reward…helping people in the community through a difficult time in their lives.  Most people that walk through the door know myself and the Gunderson family, many of them we can call by name.”

Gunderson Funeral Home is dedicated to helping you and your family to create a true celebration of life, to honor the memory of your loved one with respect and care.  We are committed to providing the highest quality of professional service.  Thank you for your trust in us.