Gunnar “Gun” Anderson, 22, of Grand Marais, passed away unexpectedly on December 31, 2016 as a result of a snowmobile accident. He was born to Kent Anderson and Jessica Rodne of Grand Marais on April 13, 1994.
He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Cynthia Smith.
Gunnar is survived by his parents Jessica Rodne, Kent (Lyndsay) Anderson, his two brothers Cody Anderson and Rayce Gibson; Grandparents Leif Rodne, Wayne and Philis Anderson, and Tim Peck; Uncles Kory (Misti) Gilbertson, Mark “Red” Anderson, Rolf (Tracy) Anderson, Matt (Monica) Anderson. He had many relatives on the Rodne side that he looked forward to getting to know and also many close cousins and extended family members. He is also survived by the long time love of his life, Breana Peterson along with a tight-knit group of friends, too many to mention but includes Jacob Schroeder who was fortunate to spend time with Gunnar in his last moments.
Gunnar went to school in Hibbing during his younger years then came back to Grand Marais where he graduated from Cook County High School in 2012. He attended Lake Superior College in Duluth and graduated with his Associate of Arts degree in 2014. He was currently living in Grand Marais where he worked for Jason McDonnell Construction doing carpentry. He also was very skillful at masonry, as he worked for Rick Crawford for many summers prior. He thought very highly of and had great friendships with bosses Jason and Rick.
Gunnar’s wide range of passions is what made him so unique. He enjoyed anything musical especially playing his guitar and singing. His grandma and his dad helped him nurture and grow with those passions. He loved snowmobiling, outdoor activities with friends, teaching and helping others, and spending time with family and friends. Gunnar loved to learn how to do new things and usually mastered whatever he was doing. From riding in horse shows as a child (and winning blue ribbons) to learning to play the guitar and of course all the endless skills he picked up from people like his Grandpa Wayne.
Gunnar recently traveled to Asia (partly as a mission trip to help an elementary school) for four months with his childhood friend, Bryan Lack. He had an itch to continue traveling the world and to see new places but also enjoyed the comforts of home where he shared a close relationship with so many people. His mom, dad, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends all held a special place in his heart. Each one of them unique and important to him in many different ways.
Gunnar had a close bond with both of his brothers. His older brother Cody watched many hours of football with him and was often called upon to help fix anything and everything. Gunnar could often be seen at most of his little brother Rayce’s sports activities, at the skatepark with him or at the school picking up his little best friend- someone he had a nickname for as “wingnut.” He took his position in Rayce’s life as being a role model very seriously and often took him along to dirt bike, play sports, fish or just hang out with his friends.
Gunnar truly made the people in his life feel non-judged and loved them just as they were. He was honestly a brave soul that ventured out always but his priorities, and his heart was always with his family and friends. He was the one to call when in need of anything…help, love, encouragement or positivity. His love for life, friends and family is irreplaceable and will be forever missed by everyone who knew him.
Visitation was 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2017, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais.
Visitation was 10 a.m. on Friday the 6th and services were held at 11 a.m. Burial was followed at Maple Hill Cemetery with food served at Bethlehem after.
Instead of flowers, donations are being accepted at the Grand Marais State Bank to the Gunnar Anderson Memorial Fund.
There will be a celebration of life on Saturday at the Senior Center in Grand Marais from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be served, and all are welcome. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.
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