Floyd J. Gunderson, 85, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday at Dove Healthcare Nursing & Rehabilitation in Eau Claire after a short battle with cancer. He was born on March 2, 1921, on a farm in Bruce Valley near Strum, Wis., to Hannah (Olson) and Harold Gunderson. He married Naomi Gloria Kremer in Eau Claire in 1945.

Floyd was a master electrician and lifelong member of IBEW Local 953. He was an electrical foreman for many of the largest projects in Eau Claire during the '50s and '60s. His proudest accomplishments were wiring Regis, Memorial, North, UWEC lower campus and the State office building. He worked for Phillips Properties in the '70s and '80s.

Floyd proudly served his country in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Wisconsin from 1939 to 1940, and in the Army during World War II. He was a corporal in the Signal Corps, involved with reconstruction in Italy.

As a devoted father, friend and neighbor, Floyd helped countless people whenever they were in need. He generously shared his mechanical skills, his Norwegian cooking and his advice with many. His love of travel brought him all over the country; and his sharp memory allowed him to recall the exact routes and details of each trip.

For five decades, he lived on Sherwin Avenue in Eau Claire, where he raised his family, his garden and the spirits of all who stopped by for a visit. He had a lifelong love for baseball, followed all local sports teams and was a diehard Packers fan. He was a natural storyteller, recalling favorites for his friends and family through his last days. He gave us many great memories to share, and will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Floyd is survived by children, Kathryn Gordon and John (Joan) Gunderson of Eau Claire and Teresa Butler of Hoyt Lakes, Minn.; grandchildren, Wendy (Mike) Coltrin, Jason (Phoebe) Ham, Joseph Ham, Sarah Ham, Kimberly Ham, Angela (James) Makkyla, Eric Butler, Amanda Butler, Heidi Butler, Nikki Wise, Patti Gunderson and James Gunderson; great-grandsons, Luke Ham and A.J. Makkyla; brothers, Harry Gunderson, Carroll (Margaret) Gunderson, James (Barb) Gunderson, Bruce Gunderson; and his sister, Barbara; brothers-in-law, Frank Zuern and Vince Dopkins; sisters-in-law, Joanne (Bill) Perham, Bernadine Miles and Shirley Kremer; special nephew, Pat Dopkins and friend Steve Jarocki; many wonderful nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Naomi, in 1987; brothers, Gordon, Walter, Larry and Robert; sisters, Mary Jean Zuern and Helen Paulson; in-laws, Catherine (Harold) Blodgett, John (Leona) Kremer, Donald Kremer, Rosemary Dopkins and Gerald (Jo) Kremer.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2006, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with interment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, at Prock Funeral Home, where there will be a 7 p.m. prayer service.

Prock Funeral Home is serving the family.

Married in Eau Claire, WI at Sacred Heart Church by Rev. John W. Pittz.