Funeral services for Edna L. Gunderson, 101, of Chamberlain, SD will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church at Ola, SD with burial in the Union Cemetery at Bijou Hills, SD.  Visitation with family present will be Friday at 5:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Hickey Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Fishing for a Cure, 106 E Beebe, Chamberlain, SD 57325 or St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 26378 349th Ave, Chamberlain, SD 57325.

Edna Kesselring was born on December 8, 1924 in Wolsey, SD before the family moved to Chamberlain in 1935.  She attended school in Chamberlain where she graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1943.  She became the Chief Operator at the telephone office until June 30, 1946, when she was united in marriage to Percy B. Gunderson.  They made their home on the Gunderson Homestead in American Township for 68 years.

Writing letters was one of Edna's main hobbies.  She would call them Edna's scribbles in later years.  Some special ones were found to have a shiny penny in them.  She also wrote for the newspapers along with her own obituary.

Edna enjoyed crocheting as she made many afghans throughout the years. Many reasons brought smiles to Edna such as two grandchildren were left handed as was she. Another joy would be having her first fifth generation grandchild.

Percy and Edna were honored and faithful through their years as members of the St. Olaf Lutheran Church at Ola.

Edna was so thankful for her big family and the blessings of having them close.  If you were visiting Edna she may tell you "Love wasn't put in our hearts to stay.  Love isn't love til we give it away."  She was also proud of the servicemen in her family.

Edna passed away on June 2, 2026 at Sanford Care Center in Chamberlain at the age of 101.  Gratefully sharing her life are her five children Denny and Kay Gunderson of Chamberlain, Dave and Gail Gunderson of Chamberlain, Dayle and Mike Chilson of Chamberlain, Donna and Donnie Dominiack of Chamberlain, and Dori and Bart Krenke of Chamberlain; son-in-law Dan Conkling of Yankton, SD; 15 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and six great great grandchildren with baby Larson due in August.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Percy, daughter Dee Conkling.