Esther Irene Adeline Gunderson was born July 14, 1917 in Martinsburg Township, Renville County, Minnesota, the daughter of Albert and Christine (Kulberg) Anderson. She was baptized on October 7, 1917, at Swedlanda Lutheran Church in Palmyra Township, and was confirmed there on May 22, 1932. Esther grew up in Martinsburg Township and also in Palmyra Township. She attended Rural School.

On September 10, 1948, Esther was united in marriage to Marvin Gunderson in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Hector where they raised their three children. Esther worked for the Telephone Company in Hector, and served as the bookkeeper for Gunderson Body Shop. She was involved with the Senior Dining in Hector when it started. Esther was a lifetime member of Swedlanda Lutheran Church, active in the Swedlanda LCW, and was involved in a leadership role with the Lake Andrew District LCW. In October of 2000, Esther became one of the first residents in the new Assisted Living Wing at Buffalo Lake Healthcare Center, and was an active part of that community. Esther enjoyed being very involved in her grandchildren's lives, and sharing her collection of souvenir spoons from around the world that had been given to her by family and friends. She also enjoyed gardening, flowers, watching birds, and quilting. Esther loved her grandchildren and her family.

Esther passed away at age 88 on Wednesday, February 8, 2006, at the North Ridge Care Center in New Hope, Minnesota. She is survived by her children: Nancy Morrissette and husband Wally of Minnetonka, Holly Hovestol and husband Mark of Bemidji, and Rick Gunderson and wife Terri of Champlin; six grandchildren: Derek and wife Cathy, Nicole, Sara and husband Phil, Kyle and wife Anna, Kelly and husband Steven, and Kayla; seven great-grandchildren: Peyton, Jacob, Katie, Aaron, Callie, Joey, and Andrew; sister Evelyn Kivioja and husband Arne of Hutchinson; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, husband Marvin, siblings: brothers Beauford, Clarence, Eddy, Conny, Eugene, Evan, and LeRoy, and sisters Gladys, Irene, and Adla.