Edgar Gunderson, age 82, of Brookings, died on Sunday, April 27, 2014, at the Brookings Hospital after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's. Visitations will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday April 30, 2014 at the Eidsness Funeral Chapel in Volga, SD. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2014, at First Lutheran Church in Volga, SD. Burial will follow at rural Erwin, SD in the East Bethany Lutheran Cemetery. Edgar Bernard Gunderson was born on February 1, 1932, to Adolf and Dorothy (Collins) Gunderson in Hamlin County near Bryant, SD. He was raised on the family Homestead and attended country school. He grew up with a deep appreciation for land conservation and a love of animals. He was confirmed at the Bryant Lutheran Church on November 30, 1947. Edgar entered the United States Army on February 14, 1952, where he faithfully served his country until his honorable discharge in 1954. He married Darlene Jensen on May 7, 1954, in Bryant, SD. The Gunderson's farmed following their marriage and then moved to Madison, SD. The couple moved to Brookings in 1976 and then to Volga in 1977. Edgar worked for Northwestern Energy for many years, retiring as a Journeyman Gas Man. Edgar spent many years as a devoted caregiver for Darlene. They were members of First Lutheran Church in Volga. In 2004, shortly after they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary Darlene passed away from Emphysema. . In 2006 he married Maxine Dickey. They lived in Trent, SD until Edgar was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He then moved back to the Brookings area to be close to his children. He always made time for his children and grandchildren and loved the holidays with his family. Edgar loved to collect and restore toy tractors. He was also an avid musician, playing with several bands for over the course of three decades. He is survived by; four sons: Douglas (Amy) Gunderson of Burnsville, Minnesota, Kevin (Julie) Gunderson of Volga, Craig (Julie) Gunderson of Volga, and Terry Gunderson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; a daughter, Cindy (Darwin) Minder, of Lennox and his second wife, Maxine Gunderson of Trent; eight grandchildren: Chris Gunderson of Sioux Falls, Mike Gunderson of White, Jennifer (Brett) Jepsen of Volga, Cory Gunderson of Sioux Falls, Natalie and Andrew Gunderson of Volga, Stephanie (Daniel) Weber of Sioux Falls and Mathew (Kari) Gunderson of Cedar Rapids; a step-grandchild, Alec Wells of Burnsville; a sister, Beverly (Gayle) Holida of Chester; a brother, Kenneth Gunderson of Bryant; a brother-in-law, Virgil (Joyce) Jensen of Erwin; sisters-in-law, Geraldine Lommel of St. Cloud Donna Jensen of Erwin, Margaret Jensen of Volga and and several nieces and nephews. Edgar was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 50 years, Darlene.