Carol Ann Gundersen

Carol Ann Westerlund Gundersen of La Crosse, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on September 17, 2026.

Carol was born in La Crosse in 1930 to Eleanor and Roy Westerlund. She was preceded in death by her sister, Ruth Humphries and is survived by her brother, Jon Westerlund.

Carol graduated from Central High School, La Crosse, in 1948 and from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1952. In 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Erik Gundersen. They partnered through Erik’s medical training, including two years in Norway and England, and through his work to help launch a cardiac surgery program in La Crosse. Together they raised four children, all who survive Carol: Andrea (Bill Perkins); Jon Erik, (Ellen Ott); Leif Erik; and Lisa (John Wilhelm). Carol is also survived by grandchildren Kirsten Helen Gundersen, (Michael Slosek), James Erik Gundersen, Riise Evelyn Gundersen (Casey Andre), Iris Eleanora Gundersen and Joseline Puente Gundersen and great-grandchildren Rocky Maria Slosek and Rosie James Slosek.

Carol was an avid reader, an amazing cook, and a life-long political activist in the La Crosse community. She had an artist’s sensibility. Creativity was a passion she expressed though jewelry and scarves, household decor, and the many crafts at which she excelled, including cooking, gardening, weaving, knitting, embroidery, silversmithing, and hand-built pottery. In her retirement she became a student of a professional porcelain ceramic artist, who taught Carol new techniques and glazes in the world of clay. She has left many exquisite ceramic objects and other crafted goods for her friends and family to enjoy.

In the 1970’s, women’s oppression in a male dominated society was a wake-up call for Carol. She helped to start the La Crosse chapter of the National Organization for Women, NOW. Buoyed by the women’s movement and her involvement with the League of Women Voters, Carol ran and was elected to the La Crosse School Board where she served two consecutive two-year terms. After her children left the nest, she earned a Masters Degree in Therapy and Counseling which she fashioned into a feminist therapy private practice in La Crosse.

Carol loved the water and woods at Lake Couderay in Northern Wisconsin. With a box (or two) of books, several coolers of good groceries, and surrounded by children, grandchildren and her many close friends, Carol was content.

After Carol and Erik divorced in 1982, her adventurous spirit took her to Paris (several times), China, Austria, Germany, Italy and many destinations within the U.S. She remained life-long friends with Erik and his wife, Sophia Ferris.

Carol maintained a steady commitment to contribute time, energy and money to make the world a better place for children, mothers, and for all people who were in need. She watched her elected representatives with fierce attention, insisting that they work vigorously to fulfill their pledges.

She will be truly missed by all who loved her. May her love of life shine on.

Carol’s family wishes to extend the deepest gratitude to the Gundersen Health Systems Hospice for their wise, skillful and heart-centered care of our mother in her final weeks.

Contributions in Carol’s memory may be directed to the League of Women Voters, La Crosse Chapter and the Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 14th from 2-5 p.m. at the La Crosse Club, 250 Front St., La Crosse. Remarks will begin at 2:30 p.m.