Arlan Gunderson, 64

Arlan Gunderson, aged 64, passed away on May 27, 2025, in Hayden, Idaho. He was born on May 11, 1961, at the old Providence Hospital in Wallace, Idaho, to George and Roberta Gunderson.

In his early years, he was active in Cub Scouts largely due to his mother serving as Den Mother and his father as Cub Master. The skills, principles, and discipline he learned in the scouting program kindled a desire he would carry on as he grew older. He went on to attend Jr and Sr high school in Kellogg, Idaho, where being involved with the ROTC program became his passion and becoming a US Marine his goal. Upon graduation from Kellogg High School, he seemingly achieved the goal he had worked so hard for by enlisting in the Marine Corps, but due to unforeseen health issues, he was very disappointed to be medically discharged while in boot camp.

Arlan was married twice, first to Vera Musso. They moved to California to be closer to Vera’s family, where they had a beautiful baby girl, Andrea. The marriage was short-lived, and Arlan returned to his roots in North Idaho in 1985. He then went to work for Ground Force. This startup company became a worldwide leader in the manufacture of custom-built heavy-duty equipment solutions for the open-pit mining industry shortly after its inception. Arlan became the “go-to guy” for maintenance and repair on the company's varied product line during the 20+ years he worked there until he retired. Along the way, he purchased a beautiful home in Rathdrum, Idaho, and met his lifetime partner, Jade Taylor, with whom he shared the last 17 years of his life. During his lifetime, Arlan enjoyed all things outdoors: camping, hunting, fishing, and mushrooming. He also liked working on vehicles and fixing things. He was a man of his word, a good friend, honest, and always let you know what he was thinking. He didn’t pull any punches and was known to enjoy a cold beer.

Arlan leaves behind his wife, Jade; his daughter, Andrea; and his grandson, Dillan. His parents, George and Roberta Gunderson, and sister Monica VanKleek, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and a lifetime worth of friends.

If desired, memorials would be appreciated to North Idaho Hospice, the Idaho Department of Fish & Game, or the Kellogg ROTC program.