Barbara Gunderson

Barbara Collins Gunderson, age 70, of Red Wing, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 25^th, 2024, surrounded by her family, after a sudden and swift battle with cancer. She was born February 1^st, 1954, in Mauston, WI to Horace and Jean (Neuman) Collins. She grew up in Elroy, WI and graduated from Royall High School in 1972. Barb went on to attend College at University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and later transferred to the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse majoring in Sociology. She married Christopher Gunderson in 1981 and they had two sons. She moved to Red Wing with her family in 1986. She worked as the Marketing Director of the T.B. Sheldon Auditorium, before moving on to work as the Executive Director of the Downtown Red Wing Mainstreet, and then spent the last 23 years at the Southern Minnesota Initiative Fund (SMIF) as the Program Director of the AmeriCorps LEAP (Learning Early Achieves Potential) and VISTA programs. She also served over the years on many local committees, groups, and foundations. 

Barb was tireless in her service to the community and surrounding areas. Her leadership and support led to tremendous professional and personal growth to 564 people who served in AmeriCorps over the years. Her direction resulted in over 500,000 hours of direct service being provided to the citizens of southern Minnesota, and in crucial social and emotional support being given to over 5,200 of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens. On July 30^th, of 2023 Barb was recognized by the Mayor of Red Wing and the City Council for her exceptional and selfless service with the Proclamation of “Barb Gunderson Day” in the City of Red Wing.

Barb was a proud Mother who loved her sons as much as her service. She loved gardening (especially her heirloom peonies), and also loved bird watching. She was a kind friend who was cherished by her card and book groups. Barb also loved going with her siblings and friends to the Wonewoc Spiritualist Camp in the summers. Barb was loving, compassionate, empathetic, and hard working. She was the best mom you could ask for and will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her. 

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, “Bub” and Jean, her brother Bob, and her ex-husband Chris. Barb is survived by her two sons, Clay of Red Wing and Bryce (Saly) of Rochester, her two granddogs, Pete and Toby; her siblings, Carla Salamone of Wausau, WI; William Collins of La Farge, WI; Laura Collins of Tulsa, OK; Mary (Mark) Johnsrud of Richland Center, WI; her nieces and nephews, P.J., Charlie, Erik, Annie, Lindsey, Ian, Alison, Amelia, Heather, Alicia, C.J., Timothy, and Helena.

 A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 30^th, 2024, at Colvill Park Pavillion #1 starting at 1:00 PM and will be open to all family and friends of Barb. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Barb’s Memorial Bench Fund, there will be a contribution basket at the celebration. Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn is handling the arrangements.