Kay Irene Gunderson 92, formerly of Postville, Iowa died in Dubuque at Hawkeye Care Center on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Kay Irene Smith was born on December 19, 1931 in Postville, Iowa to Clinton and Helga (Martens) Smith. She was baptized on March 25, 1932, and later confirmed at the Postville Community Presbyterian Church. Kay graduated from Postville High School in May 1949.
Kay Irene Smith was united in marriage to Arnold Lyle Gunderson on August 6, 1949 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. One son, Gary, was born to this union. Arnold and Kay were involved in farming their entire life. Kay enjoyed freezing and canning summer produce. She loved to bake. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday she enjoyed making Norwegian delicacies. She enjoyed passing on these skills to her daughter-in-law, granddaughter and great granddaughter. Playing cards with family and friends was also an enjoyable pastime. She enjoyed crocheting and working with her granddaughter and great granddaughter on various projects. Arnold and Kay maintained a lifelong association with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Postville, Iowa. Kay’s husband, Arnold passed away on March 4, 2011.
Kay described herself as a “people person” and always loved to visit. Kay was proud of her Smith heritage and took great interest in researching her family history. The Stone House along Yellow River was always a great topic and she enjoyed talking about her ancestor (Reuben Smith) who came from Kentucky and settled along Yellow River in southern Allamakee County.
Kay is survived by her son Gary, daughter-in-law Diana, granddaughter Alexis Gunderson, and great-granddaughter Emma Rojas-Gunderson.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and all brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am with a Visitation from 9:30 am until 10:30 am on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville, Iowa with Rev. Lynn Noel as the Officiant.
Interment will follow at Postville Cemetery in Postville, Iowa
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Postville, Iowa is assisting the family with services.