He has applied that same compassion and integrity to helping his community in diverse ways, but especially in health care, economic development and education.

For his long track record of civic service, he received the Catalyst Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, during the organization’s annual dinner Thursday night at Fort Frenzy.

“It’s so great to do great things with great people,” Gunderson said after being presented with the award by Jim Kersten, the 2025 recipient of the honor.

“Fort Dodge is home to all of us,” said with his voice cracking with emotion.

After giving his brief remarks, he was swarmed by his three grandchildren, who snuck up to the stage with the help of Growth Alliance staffers.

Kersten listed some of the organizations that Gunderson has been part of, including,

• Webster County Pheasants Forever

• Webster County Ducks Unlimited

• Fort Dodge Noon Kiwanis Club

• Fort Dodge Jaycees

• Meals on Wheels volunteer

• Friend of Scouting, Mid-America Council

“This year’s honoree has specifically left an enduring mark on three pillars that are vital to the strength and future of our region.- health care, economic development, and education – and has done so not just by participating, but by serving in a leadership capacity,” Kersten added.

He then reeled off a long list of Gunderson’s leadership positions that included:

• Co-chair of the St. Edmond Ball

• St. Edmond Catholic School board

• St. Edmond Development Board

• Fort Dodge Community School District mentor

• Unity Point Health- Trinity Regional Medical Center board

• UnityPoint Health Foundation board

• UnityPoint Health-Berryhill Center board

• Friendship Haven board

• Paula J. Baber Hospice Home committee

• Iowa Health Systems Health Care board

• Co-chair of the UnityPoint Health Cancer Center campaign

• Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance board member and past president

• Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance finance committee

• Fort Dodge Betterment Foundation

• Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance CEO selection committee

He has also been honored as a Distinguished Alumni of Iowa Central Community College.

According to Kersten, Gunderson “possesses a rare ability to bring people together — bridging differing perspectives and aligning them around a common purpose.”

“His sense of humor, quick wit, and genuine warmth put others at ease, qualities that many throughout the Fort Dodge region have come to know and deeply respect.” Kesten added.

Gunderson is the owner of Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fort Dodge and Larson- Weishaar Funeral Home in Manson.

“His business stands as a cornerstone of our local business community — a proud third-generation family enterprise celebrating 60 years of service this year,” Kersten said. “His profession is a noble one, rooted in care, compassion, and trust. Just as he serves his clients with integrity and empathy, he serves this community with the same servant’s heart and generous spirit.”

He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the Cremation Association of North America, and the International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association.

As the president and chief executive officer of Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, he has expanded the role of his business far beyond traditional funeral services. Through the annual “A Time for Angels” grief service, he has created space for healing and remembrance. By hosting Day of the Dead services, he has fostered cultural understanding and inclusion within our community. And in celebration of his business’s 50th anniversary, he honored Fort Dodge by planting 50 trees.