Muriel Augusta Gundermann

Muriel "Myrt" A. Gundermann age 76 of Westbrook, MN died Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at her home. Services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, January 10, 2009 at the Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 PM Friday, January 9, 2009 at the Almlie Funeral Home in Westbrook, with a prayer service at 7:30 PM, and continuing one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be at the Westbrook Cemetery. The Almlie Funeral Home of Westbrook is handling the arrangements. The family requests memorials to be given to one of these organizations: American Cancer Society American Heart Association American Diabetes Association Muriel Augusta Gundermann was born November 1, 1932 to Ernest and Bertha (Bloch) Rachuy on the family farm in Rosehill Township, south of Westbrook, MN. She was baptized on December 4, 1932 and confirmed on April 14, 1946 at Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook. “Myrt” attended Westbrook Public Schools and graduated from Westbrook High School in 1950. She then attended Waldorf College in Forest City, IA, where she received her degree in Secretarial Studies, graduating in 1953. She moved to Minneapolis, MN where she worked for Lutheran Social Services as a secretary until 1955. On December 30, 1955 Myrt married Eugene “Pete” Gundermann in Westbrook and they made their home on a farm southwest of Westbrook, where she remained until her death. Myrt was a homemaker and worked along side her husband with many of the farm chores. She raised chickens each year and is fondly remembered for her “butchering parties” that involved many of her family and friends. The meals she provided for the men doing the spring and fall field work were something to behold, and she will be greatly missed for her organizing of family events and reunions. Myrt was a life-long member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook where she was very active. In the past she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and sang in the choir. She participated in WELCA activities and attended various adult Bible studies. She came to be known as the “Hotdish Lady” by many at church, as she coordinated the preparation of funeral hotdishes. Myrt also was a member of the Red Hat Society and Birthday Club. She enjoyed planting the garden each spring, shopping in small town specialty shops, and spending time with her pride and joy, her grandchildren. On Tuesday, January 6, 2008 Myrt died at her home at the age of 76. Myrt is survived by her two daughters, Marcia (fiancé, Kelly Groenewold) Gundermann-Noding of Northfield, MN and Jolene (Keith Gedicke) Gundermann of Waseca, MN; three sons, Russell (Paula) Gundermann, Steve (Tracy) Gundermann and Bruce (Karla) Gundermann, all of Westbrook, MN; eleven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; one brother, Marvin (Diana) Rachuy of Westbrook, MN; two sisters, Elffie Kopperud of Westbrook, MN and Orpha (Ben) Emkes of Seymour, IN; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. Her husband, “Pete”, parents, one sister and her husband, Ellen (Lloyd) Nelsen and one brother-in-law, Truman Kopperud preceded her in death.