Eldon Gunderson
Eldon Gunderson
Eldon Robert Gunderson of Goodyear, Ariz., passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. He was 92 years old.
Eldon was born on Nov., 15, 1932, in Hyde County, S.D., to parents Robert and Violet Gunderson, who farmed and raised cattle outside of Highmore. Eldon was the oldest of three sons, followed by James and Gareld (“Gary”) Gunderson.
Along with his brothers, Eldon was fortunate to have many cousins and “double” cousins to grow up with as he worked on the farm. He attended a country school and graduated from Highmore High School before joining the U.S. Air Force. Though Eldon lived all over the United States—a consequence of his military career—he would remain close with his parents, brothers, and cousins throughout life, visiting South Dakota and attending family reunions for as long as he could travel.
After enlisting in the Air Force, Eldon married Nadine Joy Headley of Menno, S.D., in 1952, at a small family ceremony at the Highmore home of uncle and aunt, Floyd and Grace Campbell. Soon after marrying, Eldon shipped out for Japan, where he would serve during the Korean War. After returning home, he resumed civilian life, eventually rejoining the Air Force in 1960 as an officer. He would serve in the Air Force for 17 more years, retiring as a Major in 1977. Intent on continuing to support the military, he began work for contractors, Lockheed and Rockwell International, work he did for about 20 more years. He was proud to support the Titan missile, Hubble Telescope, and Space Shuttle programs.
Eldon’s passion was being a private pilot. He loved nothing more than pointing the nose of his Mooney to parts well-known (his family home in South Dakota) and less-known (the wilds of Alaska). Later in life, he enjoyed sailing around the world on numerous cruises with Barbara. He loved motor sports and had a bad habit of driving his Tesla way too fast.
While previously married to Nadine, the couple raised five children—Richard Gunderson, Kay Gunderson Reeves, Linda Gunderson, Robert Gunderson, and Constance Gunderson Zorkocy. Later, Eldon was delighted to find himself grandfather to six grandchildren (Evan Gunderson, Charlotte and Jacob Brown, Eddie Zorkocy, Channing Reeves, and Owen Gunderson) and great-grandfather to two great-grandchildren (Reid Gunderson and Isabelle Shyrock).
On Valentine’s Day in 1993, Eldon married Barbara Price of Costa Mesa, Calif. They soon relocated to PebbleCreek in Goodyear, where they made a welcoming home for the entire family for many years.
Eldon is survived by his wife, Barbara, brother James Gunderson, his five children, six grandchildren, and two great–grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gary.
Eldon will be greatly missed by his wife Barbara who was at his side as he passed, and by his children and grandchildren.
A Memorial Service is being planned for Sept. 23 at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D., where he will join his brother Gary.
Fred Schwartz
Fred Schwartz
Fred was born in 1934 in Trinidad, Colo., the youngest of three children (sister Reita and brother Bob). The family moved to Pueblo, Colo., in 1944 where the siblings attended parochial schools. Fred was slight of build as a child and young man; it wasn’t until the summer after high school that he grew into his six-foot slender frame. Post graduation from CSU (BS1957) still slender, he registered to serve with the U.S. Navy. As a college graduate, he was able to apply for Officer Candidate School, once he completed his training, he needed to pass two tests; an academic test, which he passed, and a physical test. At 6 feet tall and only 128 pounds, he needed extra weight to pass the physical test; the day before testing he ate bananas and the day of testing he put silver coins in his pockets, the results of both efforts—he passed the physical test.
He married Rosanne in September of 1957 and they had their only child, Tris, the following year. They moved to Denver, Colo., in 1960 where he began his teaching career with the Denver Public Schools. While teaching math, physical education, and coaching/refereeing many youth sports, and teaching young adults at DU, he pursued additional academic degrees (MBS in Math and Physics, MoST, and PHD).
Now retired, in 1995, Fred and Roseanne moved to PebbleCreek. Rosanne was diagnosed with cancer in 1998 and fought a valiant battle until her passing in 2006. Later in 2006, Fred had a chance meeting of Fran Wichers through the PebbleCreek Hiking Club, and she has been his sweetheart and companion ever since. Fred was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in August of 2018 and put up a tough fight, succumbing to his illness in August of 2025.
Fred will receive a military honors service and his final resting place will be The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Thank you to all who touched his life, whether through golf, bridge, hiking, traveling, or just sharing special moments.