Jay Gunderson was born on June 22, 1936 in Ellsworth, WI to Clayton and Lois (Green) Gunderson. He married Patricia Ann Schulte in 1955 and she proceeded Jay in death on March 14, 1983. He married Louise Baker on June 25, 1990 in Sisseton, SD.
Jay lived most of his life in the St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, and Foley areas. He was part owner of Bob's Truck Stop in Cable Mn, worked for Pickard Motors and retired from Jack Frost/Golden Pump after nearly 30 years of service. Shortly before retiring Jay and Louise built and began operating Benton Drive Storage and Frosty Acres Farm on a small parcel of land in Sauk Rapids. In 1999 after purchasing another farm in Mayhew Lake Township, Benton County, Jay and Louise built a new home and moved Frosty Acres Farm to where it is today. Jay continued to operate the farm until his death.
Jay enjoyed his family, his animals, gardening, planting trees, doing yard work and anything mechanical. Jay was a member of The Good Sam and The Family Motor Coach traveling clubs. He was also a member of Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife Louise, Foley, his sons and daughter: Jeff (Pattie), Avon, Ken (Bonnie), Nisswa, Dan (Deb), Sauk Rapids, Cindy Waldon, St. Cloud, Todd (Dione), Sauk Rapids,12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his step-children: Steve (Debbie) Schmidt, Ramsey, Vickie (Chris) Kreger, Williston ND, Dave (Tammy) Schmidt, Zimmerman, Rebecca (Ray) Grundhoefer, Foley, Scott Schmidt (Sauk Rapids), 11 step-grandchildren, and 3 step-great-grandchildren. Jay was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Patricia Ann, an infant son, granddaughter, Shannon Wojciak, and great-granddaughter, Ayva Benoit. Jay enjoyed his family and will be greatly missed.