John Adrian Gunnerson, age 80, of Annandale, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday March 2, 2024.
John Adrian Gunnerson was born May 30, 1943, in Annandale, Minnesota, the youngest child of Joseph and Lillian (Gille) Gunnerson. John grew up and lived his most of life on the family homestead south of Annandale.
In his younger years, John could be found farming, trapping, and enjoying time spent with family and friends at the farm. Following his graduation from Annandale High School in 1961, John held a handful of jobs over his lifetime but found his true calling in construction. From having his own business to working with longtime friend, Dale Nyren, to treasuring the time spent working alongside his son, Adrian, John loved working and creating with his hands.
John loved to hunt and spend time outdoors and most importantly, spend time with his beloved family. He had a flair for storytelling; some were true, most exaggerated but always entertaining. No matter where he was, John lit up the room and there was always a party not too far behind. He was known for hosting many of them at the farm, especially his annual 4th of July and Halloween parties. Even in his later years, John looked forward to hosting holidays with family. After cooking and baking delicious meals, he could be found shaking dice with his grandchildren and casting voodoo spells on them for taking all of his quarters.
He loved classic country music, with George Jones being one of his favorites. John was a pretty decent singer and an even better air-guitar player. Toward the end of his life, John found peace and solace while doing yardwork on his slice of paradise that he often referred to as “his Alamo.” However out of all the things John cherished in life, he was most proud of his grandchildren.
John is survived by his significant other of over 40 years, Arlene Albrecht of Annandale; children, Adrian (Kerri) Gunnerson of Annandale, Jeanne (Mike) Matter of Howard Lake, Terri Gunnerson of Minneapolis, Chris Gunnerson of Annandale, Dawn (Dion) Grover of Otsego, Mary Gunnerson of Annandale, Cory (John) Skoglund of Dassel, Christy (Eric) Nathe of Annandale, Kyle (Kelly) Albrecht of South Haven; grandchildren, Kolt and Maranna Gunnerson, Hayley Matter, Avery and Brody Nathe, Preston and Ryann Albrecht; sister, Judy Nothnagel of Florence MT; and many nieces and nephews.
John is proceeded in death by his parents Joseph and Lillian; brothers, Dale and Marvin “Duece” Gunnerson; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lucy & Milton Schmidt, Mary and Arnie Arlt, Lee Nothnagel; and other family members.
Being a lifelong scholar, John made the selfless decision to donate his body to the University of Minnesota Bequest Program for educational and research purposes.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, June 7, starting at 3 p.m. at 8975 75th St NW Annandale, MN 55302.
We would love for our friends and family to come eat dinner, have a beer (or a few), and share some stories to celebrate the life that John lived to the fullest.