Most people think of funeral homes as these static, frozen-in-time places with heavy velvet curtains and a vibe that hasn't changed since 1950. But if you walk into Gunderson Funeral Home Fort Dodge IA, you’ll realize pretty quickly that the industry has shifted. It’s not just about the heavy stuff anymore. It’s about logistics, personalization, and, honestly, keeping up with how much Iowa families have changed over the last sixty years.
Gunderson has been a fixture in Fort Dodge since 1966. That’s a long time. It was founded by Robert Gunderson back when the location on North 15th Street was basically the edge of town, surrounded by woods. Today, it’s a central part of the community’s fabric. Phil and Keely Gunderson run the show now, and they’ve seen the transition from "everyone gets the same service" to "we need a taco bar and a slideshow."
The Real Story Behind the Gunderson Name
The history isn't just a corporate timeline. It's a family story. Robert Gunderson worked at Laufersweiler’s for seven years before striking out on his own. He bought the land in 1965, and by August '66, they were open for business. When Robert passed away suddenly in 1989 at only 53, his son Phil took over. He was 31. Imagine that—stepping into those shoes while dealing with your own grief.
Phil’s son, Rob, is also a licensed director there now. That’s three generations. In a world where big corporations are buying up mom-and-pop shops, having a local family stay at the helm for 50-plus years is actually kind of rare. They recently even expanded by merging with Larson-Weishaar in Manson. They aren't just sitting still.
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Why the "Traditional" Funeral is Dying (and What’s Replacing It)
Let’s be real: the standard "casket, organ music, cemetery" routine isn't for everyone anymore.
Phil Gunderson has talked about this openly. People from all different walks of life come through those doors. Some want the traditional Catholic Mass—and they do that well—but others want something totally different.
- Certified Celebrants: Janet Hubbell, one of their directors, is a certified celebrant. This is a huge deal for families who aren't religious or don't have a regular "home" church. She basically acts as the master of ceremonies to tell the life story without the strictly religious framework.
- Spanish Services: They’ve adapted to the changing demographics of Fort Dodge, often hosting Masses in Spanish followed by potlucks.
- The Tech Side: It’s not just paper folders anymore. They do massive personalization with tribute videos and themed stationery.
The Logistics of Grief: What It Actually Costs
People hate talking about money when someone dies, but you have to. Honestly, it’s one of the most expensive things you’ll ever pay for. At Gunderson, they follow the FTC "Funeral Rule," which means they have to give you a General Price List (GPL) the second you ask about costs.
Based on industry data and local filings, a traditional full-service burial here can run around $10,650. If you’re looking at cremation, a full service with a viewing is usually closer to $8,430, while a direct cremation—no ceremony, just the basics—starts around $2,800.
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These numbers aren't random. They cover the professional services of the staff (who are on call 24/7/365), the use of the facilities, transportation, and the specialized care of the deceased. It's a lot of "behind the scenes" work people don't see, like filing death certificates with the state or coordinating with Social Security.
The Cremation Myth
One thing people get wrong is thinking cremation means no service. Totally false.
You can still have a viewing. You can still have a funeral. You just use a rental casket for the service before the cremation takes place. Gunderson actually encourages this because, as they put it, seeing the loved one one last time helps the brain process the reality of the loss. It’s part of the "Aftercare" philosophy.
Pre-Planning: The Gift or the Curse?
Is it weird to plan your own funeral while you’re healthy? Maybe a little. But is it helpful? Absolutely.
Janet Hubbell handles a lot of the pre-planning consultations there. The logic is simple: if you pick out your casket, your music, and your service style now, your kids won't be arguing about it in a hospital waiting room later.
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Plus, you can prepay. Gunderson puts those funds into a trust. This locks in today’s prices. If the cost of a casket goes up 20% in ten years, it doesn't matter; you’ve already covered it. It’s a hedge against inflation that actually works. And if you move? Those plans are usually transferable to other funeral homes.
Community Roots in Fort Dodge
You’ll see the Gunderson name on a lot more than just the building on 15th St. Phil and Keely are deeply involved in the community.
Phil has served on the St. Edmond Development Board and the Berryhill Center for Mental Health Board. Keely is a long-time volunteer for UnityPoint Trinity Hospice. They were even named Philanthropists of the Year in 2008.
This matters because when you call them at 3:00 AM, you’re not calling a call center in another state. You’re calling people who probably go to the same grocery store as you.
What to Actually Do When Someone Passes Away
If you find yourself in the position of having to make "the call," here is the basic workflow:
- Call the authorities first. If it’s at home and unexpected, call 911. If they are in hospice or a nursing home, the staff there will handle the initial medical pronouncement.
- Contact the funeral home. Once the medical stuff is cleared, Gunderson sends a team to transport your loved one.
- The Arrangement Conference. This is the big meeting. You'll bring clothes for the deceased, any photos for the video, and information for the obituary (birthplace, parents' names, career history).
- The Paperwork. You'll need to decide how many certified copies of the death certificate you need. Usually, you need one for every bank account, life insurance policy, and real estate title.
Actionable Insight: If you’re overwhelmed, start by writing down a "life sketch." Don't worry about the obituary's formal tone yet. Just list the milestones. The staff at Gunderson are experts at taking those raw notes and turning them into a professional tribute. Also, check your loved one’s files for a DD-214 if they were a veteran; this secures them a flag and a plot in a national cemetery, which can save the family thousands.