Carl James Gunderman Sr.

MARENISCO, Mich. - On Sept. 24, 2024, Carl James Gunderman Sr. did not get up and start a new day. Instead, he joined his parents, his brother Ray Gunderman Sr., and sisters-in-law Jane and Sharon Gunderman. His mind and body were spent, and he was ready for his next step.

Carl was born on Feb. 5, 1945, to Wesley John and Mary Ann Gunderman. He grew up, along with his six siblings, in Marenisco. Carl loved to laugh. He could find humor in just about any situation, and his laughter was so contagious. In high school, he was the first (and likely only) male cheerleader in Marenisco.

After graduation, he went to visit Gogebic Community College with a buddy. Somehow, they ended up at the U.S. Army recruiting station. After basic training, he was off to Germany to serve in the military police.

Carl was proud of his military service and, being German, appreciated being stationed in Germany during the Cold War. After an honorable discharge, Carl held several jobs, but he spoke most often about working at Fermilab, along with his brother, Ray.

Carl and his former wife, Colleen, had two children: Heather and Carl Jr.

Like his father, Carl was an avid reader. It didn't matter the genre - he enjoyed whatever book fell into his hands. He found pleasure in working with wood, and that man could fix anything - yet he didn't watch a single YouTube video.

Left to miss Carl's infectious laughter are his daughter, Heather Gunderman; son, Carl James Gunderman Jr .; grandchildren, Halee Janicki and Jack Janicki; brothers, John Gunderman Sr., Tom (Kathy) Gunderman Sr. and Bill (Sandy) Gunderman; sisters, Anita (Bruce) Carter and Mary Jane (Martin) Tremethick; and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Carl was fortunate to receive exceptional care at Keen Agers in Wakefield; Sky View Nursing Center in Hurley, Wisconsin; and Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hurley. The family would like to thank the staff at each of these facilities for their compassionate care.

A graveside service for family and friends will be held at the Marenisco Township Cemetery on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Full military rites will be provided by the Marenisco American Legion Post 523, the Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 and the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Keen Ager Corporation or to a veteran's organization of your choice.

Carl would end this like he ended all his conversations with "Have a good one," and he would be smiling from ear to ear.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.