Funeral services for Nola Gunderson, 79, of Mobridge will be Friday January 27, 2017 at 10:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mobridge. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Mobridge under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be Thursday January 26, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Nola passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at the Mobridge Regional Hospital. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Hope Lodge, 411 2nd St NW, Rochester, MN, 55901.

Nola Gunderson "Always On the Go"

Nola was born August 13, 1937 to Alfred and Lavern (Johnson) Gunderson at the old Milwaukee Hospital in Mobridge, South Dakota. She grew up on a farm in rural Campbell County and rode her horse to the Amundson Country School along with her good friend Geraldine Jilek. Nola also attended and graduated from Glenham High School in 1955. After High School Nola attended and graduated from Stewart's School of Cosmetology in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

In 1957 Nola married Lyle Zimmerman in Mobridge, South Dakota. To this union one son Richard Zimmerman was born in 1958. In 1964 Nola began working for Ione Oster at the Vouge Beauty Shop in Mobridge. After much encouragement from Ione, Nola purchased the business in 1966 even though she wasn't sure about running a business. Nola continued to own and operate the Beauty Shop with much success for 17 years. After selling the business in 1983, Nola would get a kick out of the comments her former employees would say how much they enjoyed working for her and also the High School girls at that time who worked for Nola doing the beauty shop laundry and cleaning.
Nola began a small business called "Balloons Because" selling and delivering balloons all around Mobridge for all occasion's and this kept her very busy. After selling the balloon business in 1983, Nola was encouraged into managing the failing Eagles Club in Mobridge by the late George Vandermark. Her and a friend, Fritz Wientjes worked hard to bring the business back into the black. They also expanded the building to accommodate their customers. After 15 years managing the Eagles Club, Nola and partner Julie Ducheneaux began a new business in Mobridge known as "Country Junction" a custom embroidery shop. In 2013 Nola sold her partnership to Julie Ducheneaux. As Nola was always on the go, she helped her son Richard work at his bar, the "Caboose" on main street in Mobridge until her health finally forced her to slow down.

Nola was a businesswoman for many years and she enjoyed her work. She also enjoyed horses and rode in many parades as a kid and also as an adult. Her horses, cats and bum lambs were special to her and they loved her as much as she loved them. Nola enjoyed working outside doing yard work and gardening.

She is survived by one son; Richard Zimmerman of Mobridge; one sister; Betty and (Albert) Linderman of Mobridge; two brothers; Wayne (Punk) Gunderson of Blairsville, Pennsylvania and Dean and (Virgina) Gunderson of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Nola was preceded in death by her parents; a niece Melissa in 1968; two sisters in laws; Geraldine Gunderson and Kate Gunderson; also a special friend; Fritz Wientjes.