Raymond “Ray” Gunderson, age 80, of Dresser, WI, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Osceola Medical Center in Osceola, WI.

Ray was born to Johnny and Mayme (Hill) Gunderson in Sharon, ND on August 7, 1946. He graduated from Mahnomen High School in Mahnomen, MN in the class of 1964. While in high school, Ray was very active and involved in football and running hurdles.

Right after graduating, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served for 20 years and was a proud, decorated veteran with many medals, and honors, leaving as with a Technical Sergeant Rank. While in the military, he worked as a long-range radar technician.

From 1969-1975, Ray was stationed at the Osceola Air Force Base; he always said that location was one of the Airforce’s best kept secrets due to the strong friendships he made there. While at this base, Ray loved dancing at Louis Inn, playing ping-pong (having won numerous trophies), and playing softball.

After he retired from the military, he worked as an electrician at A.A. Hanson, and 18 years as a maintenance manager at Trollhagen. After working at Trollhagen, Ray started his own business called Ray’s Handyman Service. He was known for his reputation in being able to fix about everything, and “If Ray couldn’t fix it, then it couldn’t be fixed.” Is what many would say.

Ray met Barbara “Barb” Andren in 1971 and the two were married July 20, 1974, at Balsam Lake Lutheran Church. He was a very loving and caring husband with a big heart. He always put others before himself. Together, Ray and Barb enjoyed camping, canoeing, and being outdoors.

Ray had a natural artistic talent in woodworking as a hobby. He made many sports plaques, cribbage boards, and other handcrafted creations which even included woodburning from hand. From 1999-2026, Ray completed over 250 custom orders under the business of Ray’s Wood Creations. If a project was not up to his customer’s satisfaction, Ray would let them know - they did not have to buy the item, but in 27 years that never happened once.

Ray is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barb; brothers, Dale (Merry) and Stanley; many nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Jim; and sisters, Donna Johnson and Sharon Johnson.

A gathering of family and friends to honor memories of how Ray touched all our lives, will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Dresser Community Hall in Dresser, WI. Words of remembrance and memory sharing to begin at 3:00 PM. Burial will take place at a later date at Balsam Lake Cemetery in Balsam, Lake, WI.

Last Update: Sep 29, 2026 9:46 am CDT