Kayla Gunderson

Kayla Jill Gunderson, 45, passed away on January 8, 2023 at her home in Minneapolis, MN.

Kayla was born August 30, 1977, to parents Marvin and Judy Gunderson in Elbow Lake, MN. She was baptized at the Lutheran Church in Nashua, MN. She attended school in Elbow Lake and graduated from West Central Area High School in 1996, before going to college at St. Cloud State University and Concordia College. Kayla worked as a saleswoman for many years before moving to the Twin Cities where she worked in retail. After several years, she decided to go back to school to be a librarian before switching her major to paralegal studies and receiving her associate’s degree from North Hennepin Community College. Kayla worked her dream job as a paralegal in downtown Minneapolis before going to Hamline University to continue her education in paralegal studies.

Kayla enjoyed going on walks along the Mississippi River, attending art shows, and going to comedy clubs. She loved her dogs and was an expert snowboarder. Kayla enjoyed listening to podcasts and reading her extensive collection of nonfiction books. She was a hard worker and self-motivated. Most importantly, Kayla was a genuine and caring person who was a best friend to everyone.

Kayla is preceded in death by her grandparents Helen and Marvin Gunderson Sr. and Wilbert and Lydia Sperling; and her uncle Dennis Woltjer.

She is survived by her parents Judy and Marvin Gunderson; sister Joslyn Gunderson; significant other Patrick Sutton; relatives Renae (Ken) Green, Niki (Brian) Wiesner, Brad (An) Green, Shirley Woltjer, Colleen (Mike) Anda, Kurt (Renee) Woltjer, Lowell (Teresa) Sperling, Jimmy Sperling, and many extended family members and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 1:00 PM at United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake, MN.

Visitation to be held Friday, January 27, 2023, from 5:00-8:00 PM at Erickson- Smith Funeral Home in Elbow Lake, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue an hour before the funeral service.

Interment at a later date.

Arrangements with Erickson-Smith Funeral Home.

Memorials preferred to the Grant County Humane Society of Elbow Lake.