Gunderson's celebrate 60th wedding anniversary

George and Roberta met in a very unique way in June 1957. Roberta was working as a lifeguard at the Kellogg pool and a newly enlisted George stopped by for a swim. Roberta, wearing a life jacket, hat, and with a whistle around her neck was helping a young boy exit the pool. George couldn’t resist making an impression on Roberta, so he decided to push her into the pool.

The young Roberta, taking her job very seriously, kicked George out of the pool for his behavior. Imagine how she felt when her manager allowed George back in the pool because he had enlisted and was about to leave the area to serve his country in the Navy. Somehow getting allowed back in the pool doesn’t surprise anyone that knows George.

They must not have forgotten each other. When George was discharged from the Navy, he returned to the Silver Valley and they reconnected, resulting in their marriage on January 30th, 1960.

They settled in Smelterville, and had two wonderful children, Arlan and Monica. While raising their family, George spent 23 years at Bunker Hill in various positions and Roberta served the community working in assisted living, most notably at Shoshone Living Center for over 14 years. During this time they also gave back to the community by doing volunteer work for many organizations including the Boy Scouts and the Lions Club.

When Bunker Hill closed they spent two years living and working in Boise, but decided to return home to their roots in the Silver Valley in 1985. With absolutely no experience as business owners or the bar business they purchased the Powder River Saloon in Coeur d’Alene that same year, a decision that would have a major impact on their lives, as well as impacting the lives of many people that would become known as the Powder River Family.

George and Roberta operated the Powder River for 27 years and sold it in 2012, but the story doesn’t stop there. They may have thought they were done with the bar business and retired to their home in Smelterville, but their customers, the Powder River Family, weren’t done with them.

Since their retirement it has become a tradition for all the people whose lives were touched by George and Roberta, both in Coeur d’Alene and in the Silver Valley, to stop by for a visit or to spend one or two weekends a year camped in their beautiful back yard, now known as Camp Gunderson, for BBQs, catching up, and sitting around the fire pit reminiscing and sharing stories about the legend that was the Powder River Saloon.

George and Roberta are still involved in volunteering. Every winter George loves jumping on a four wheeler and plowing snow for Johnnies Bar and any neighbor that needs a hand and Roberta loves adding her touch to the special events at Johnnies Bar, including Halloween’s Trick or Treat party for the adult children.

George and Roberta feel truly blessed and appreciate the life they’ve shared and the love they have for each other, and are thankful for the many people who have touched their lives over the years.