Marlys Gunderson, age 80, of Northfield, passed away peacefully Monday evening, July 26, 2010, at the Northfield Care Center surrounded by family.

Marlys was born Sept. 5^th, 1929, in McVille, North Dakota, to Henry and Dorthea (Flohaug) Ringdahl. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church of McVille. She graduated from Oak Grove Lutheran High School in Fargo. After high school she attended the Lutheran Bible Institute of Minneapolis and Augsburg College. In her later years she enjoyed continuing education classes. Marlys married Charles Gunderson on October 2, 1954, at the St. Olaf Chapel in Northfield, Minnesota. They lived in several different locations while raising their family as she supported her husband in his work as a Lutheran pastor. These locations included Minot, ND, Tampa, FL, Larslan, MT, Oklee, MN, and Swift Falls, MN. In 1995, they retired to Northfield.

Marlys was a devoted wife, mother and grandparent. She enjoyed spending time with loved ones and always had a smile for them. Although Marlys suffered from multiple sclerosis for many years, she graciously accepted her illness and always maintained a positive attitude.

Marlys is survived by her loving husband of nearly 56 years, Charles Gunderson; 5 children and their spouses: Mary Gunderson-Marquis of Fosston, MN, John Gunderson of Los Angeles, CA, David Gunderson (Jill) of Burnsville, MN, Paul Gunderson (Julie) of Santa Barbara, CA, Elizabeth (Allen) Westlake of Mentor, MN; 10 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters and their husbands: Dolores and Rudy Rishovd of Tucson, AZ, Helen and Gene Wuflestad of Corona, CA, Barbara and Wayne Miller of Watkins, CO; 3 brothers & their spouses: Irving and Almina Ringdahl of Longmont, CO, Robert and Polly Ringdahl of Scottsdale, AZ, Philip and Judy Ringdahl of Rehoboth Beach, DE; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and 3 brothers; Dixon, Harold, and Kenneth.

Funeral services will be 11AM Saturday, July 31, 2010, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Northfield with Revs. Charles Akre and Curtis Johnson officiating. Music will be provided by Noel Stratmoen and Rhonda Reece. Interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, Northfield. Casket bearers will be her grandchildren.  Visitation will be 4-7PM with a prayer service at 7PM on Friday, July 30, 2010, at Bethel Lutheran Church. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday one hour prior to the funeral.

Those who wish to give a memorial gift are encouraged to give to the Northfield Care Center or Bethel Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.