Carol Ann Gunderson

Carol Gunderson (nee Michenfelder) passed away in her own home Monday May 4th, 2015.She was in the loving care of husband Michael, sister Laura and mother Monica with support from son Patrick, daughter Katie, and Mayo Hospice.Carol was born in Chicago, Illinois, July 26th 1956 and was the daughter of John M.D. and Margaret Michenfelder. Carol spent her early years in Oronoco, discovering the world through the lens of her camera, riding her horses, and playing sandlot baseball and touch football with her numerous siblings and neighborhood friends.She graduated from John Marshall High School and went on to Winona State majoring in English and Photo Journalism. Upon graduation, she went to work for Minnesota Public Radio at station KLSE in Rochester.Over the next 12 years, she went from reporter to News Director, Morning Edition anchor, and producer of nationally recognized long form documentaries including When Children Have Children, A Cry for Help on teenage suicide,A Good Hmong Girl and Libertys Children winning numerous awards including several Gabriels.Carol was in her element behind the microphone, especially with live interviews.She left KLSE and became the communications director for the Sisters of Saint Francis, Assisi Heights, making many friends there.Carols last 18 years were spent working on the Mayo Clinic Health Letter as an Associate Editor. Her personal passions were flower gardening, reading, letter writing, and water coloring.For nearly 30 years, Carols trips to coastal Maine were the highlight of her family time.She had a deep concern for each person she met and especially for young people.She was a past board chairwoman for Rochester Off-Campus Charter School (ROC), as well as an ardent supporter of Addiction Recovery Technologies (ART). Carol is survived by her husband Michael, daughter Katie of Tokyo, Japan, son Patrick of Rochester, matriarch, Monica Michenfelder of Lake City, MN, siblings David (Mary) Michenfelder of St. Charles, MN, Joe Michenfelder of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, Paul Michenfelder of St. Paul, MN, Matt (Mary) Michenfelder of Glendale, Missouri, Laura (Tim) Higgins of Edmond, Oklahoma, Pat (Amy) Michenfelder of St. Michael, MN; twenty-four beloved nieces and nephews; and her four cats Bunny, Maisey, Booters and Beezers of Oronoco, MN.She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Margaret Michenfelder. Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 12th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home, Rochester, MN.A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13th with visitation one hour before the service at the Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home.A lunch following the service will be provided.Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery.Memorials may be designated to Channel One Food Shelf.