Lon Gunderson

Lon Gunderson, 65, passed away on Tuesday, September 12th on his own terms after a short struggle with Glioblastoma Multiforme. He opted for death with dignity, as opposed to letting his brain tumor call the shots in his final days. He was strong and handled this diagnosis with grace and humor, which is not at all surprising given the amazing man that he was.

Lon was born to Curt and Beverly Gunderson on June 1, 1958. He grew up in Denver and Johnstown, but ultimately made Fort Collins his home. He graduated Suma Cum Laude from University of Northern Colorado, where he majored in accounting. He loved math and enjoyed his work as an accountant for many years before he was forced to retire due to his cancer diagnosis.

He fondly remembered summer trips to South Dakota, where he would visit the Gunderson family and spend his days laughing with aunts, uncles, and cousins. He adored his daughter and grandchildren and enjoyed attending all of their sporting events. He also loved his spouse, Valerie, with everything - she was his rock through his harrowing journey with GBM and took amazing care of him. He loved his mom very much and had fun going to her place on Sundays to play cards and spend quality time.

In short, he will be missed terribly by those who loved him and were fortunate enough to share in his life.

Lon is survived by his spouse Valerie, his mother Beverly, sister Sharon and her husband Will, his daughter Sheri and her husband Nate, grandchildren Jaiden and Ethan, and many other friends and relatives. He is preceded in death by his father, Curt Gunderson.

A service to honor Lon will be held on Monday, September 18th, 11am, Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 2000 South Lemay Avenue in Fort Collins. Reception to follow immediately with a light lunch served. Donations in Lon's name can be made to Glioblastoma Foundation - glioblastomafoundation.org - we hope that more research can be done and better treatments can be discovered in the future to provide hope for those who suffer.

Lon (Dad), thank you for all the joy you brought to our lives. The laughter and the memories will be forever cherished.