Julian Gunderson, 70, died on Monday, December 20, 2004 at his home in Trail, MN, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, December 23, 2004 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oklee, MN with Reverend Bob Paulson officiating. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Oklee, MN.

Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at the Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a 5:00 P.M. prayer service on Wednesday evening and at the church for one hour prior to services on Thursday.

Julian Odell Gunderson was born on November 27, 1934 in Pennington County, Minnesota, the son of Ole and Birdie (Flateland) Gunderson. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith at Oak Park Lutheran Church.

After graduating from Oklee High School he worked for Hannah Mining in Keewaten, MN. In 1957 he was drafted into the military service and was stationed in Alaska. After being in the service he attended Dunwoody Institute and obtained his electrical training and worked for Sterling Electric for several years in Minneapolis. Julian was united in marriage on March 3, 1962 to Shirley Espeland in Minneapolis, MN. He later obtained his Masters License and in 1970 he bought the family farm and started his own Electrical and Construction Company. He built several Senior Housing Complexes in Thief River Falls and the surrounding area.

He has been a member of the Elks, Eagles and American Legion of Thief River Falls for many years.

Julian loved spending time with his 5 granddaughters, going to car auctions and visiting with family and friends. He was very proud of his Scandinavian hertitage and rarely missed the Setesdal Log and Host Fest. In 1995 he went to Norway with his sister and visited his grandparents birth places.

Julian is survived by two sons: Brad (Nancy) Gunderson of Trail, MN and Jamey (Suzie) Gunderson of Trail, MN; five granddaughters: Ashley, Megan, Cheyenne, Shelby and Sydnie; one sister, Audrey Bergerson of Thief River Falls, MN; special friend, Pat Gunderson; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley on November 26, 1993 and his parents.