John Olaf Gunderson
August 20, 1875 – May 31, 1949
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Mount Pleasant's three-time mayor and civic leader, John GUNDERSON, 73, died early Tuesday morning in a Salt Lake hospital of a heart ailment.

Noted for the energy with which he pursued any cause he embraced, Mr. GUNDERSON served at various times as city councilman, Sanpete County Commissioner, district Republican chairman and mayor of Mount Pleasant for three consecutive terms.

He was also a leading figure in the building of the South Ward Chapel, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and laid the groundwork for the building of the swimming pool near North Sanpete high school. He was instrumental in securing the new hospital for Mount Pleasant and North Sanpete, and was for many years engaged in the sheep business.

Mr. GUNDERSON was chairman of the second World War Bond Drive and won national and state recognition for Mount Pleasant being the first city to reach its quota. He bought the first bond in Mount Pleasant. He also held the same position during World War I.

He was vice president of the Municipal League in which organization he was active for many years. He was also a member of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers and accompanied them on their Centennial Trek two years ago from Nauvoo to Salt lake City.

Born in Mount Pleasant, August 20, 1875. Mr. GUNDERSON was the son of Eric and Carolina Johnson GUNDERSON, pioneer settlers. He was married to Rhea BROTHERSON October 18, 1808. She died in 1926.

Surviving are six sons and one daughter, Douglas GUNDERSON, Brigham City; Shirley, Glen and Keith GUNDERSON, Salt Lake City; Reed GUNDERSON, Provo; Ivan GUNDERSON, Desert Center, California; Mrs. Shila SPENCER, Salt Lake City; two brothers, Lars GUNDERSON, Southgate, California, and Nephi GUNDERSON, Price, and twelve grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be conducted Friday at 1:00 p.m. in the Mount Pleasant South Ward Chapel.

(Published in The Pyramid (Mount Pleasant, UT), Friday, June 03, 1949.)
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