Obituary of Karyl Jean Gunnarson

Karyl Jean (Eider) Gunnarson, 65, was born on February 27, 1958, to Ervin and Myrtle Eider. Karyl was ushered into Heaven by her family who have been patiently waiting for her and was surrounded here on Earth by her children who already greatly miss her. Karyl fought a long and very courageous battle with cancer.

Karyl was a life-long resident of the Duluth area. She was born and raised in West Duluth, she moved to Lakewood in 1983, where she and her husband raised their children, she then moved back to West Duluth in 2014 to help care for her mom alongside her sister Dianne and her son Kris. Karyl moved to Faith Haven in December of 2020, returning to the former property of their childhood home (Pumpkin Row). She graduated from Denfeld High School in 1976. Karyl spent her working career helping others in one way or another. Karyl worked as a nurse’s aide for many years at St. Mary’s Hospital as well as Chris Jensen Nursing Home and Edgewood Vista and she also worked in the Duluth School District and at Observation Hill Childrens Center in Duluth. Karyl also took pride in spending countless hours volunteering in the classrooms of her children at Lakewood Elementary.

Karyl decided to return to college and pursue a degree in elementary education. Karyl excelled in her programs, making the Dean’s List each semester while still making time to raise her 3 children and countless “adopted” children who she also loved very much. Karyl was also no stranger to taking in any and all animals that her kids would bring home.

Karyl was an active member of Duluth Gospel Tabernacle where she enjoyed working with children, teaching Sunday School, Missionettes (Daisies), and VBS. Karyl also was a Lake Park Little League T-Ball coach even long after her own children were too old to play.

Karyl will be remembered for her quick wit, her loving attitude, her strength and fight for life. Karyl would help where she was needed and with whatever she was able to do. Karyl enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, watching hockey games on TV and being a social butterfly wherever she was at. Karyl especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and would often tell them that she should have had them before her kids. She also enjoyed playing Skip-Bo and other games for hours with whoever she could get to play with her. Karyl also looked forward to spending time in North Dakota for the annual family reunion and was sure to make it to every family event that she could.

She was preceded in death by her dad, Ervin, mom, Myrtle, brothers Dwayne and Dean (Debbie) Eider, sisters Raylene (Eider) Gilbert, Yvonne Eider, Melanie (Eider) Lindbloom, and Dianne Eider. Her husband, Bill Gunnarson Sr, daughter Brittany (Shourds) Gunnarson, and fiancé Scott Anderson, along with many close cousins, and other friends and relatives.

Karyl was loved deeply and will be missed by her immediate family, children: Richard (Suzie) Gunnarson, Kristopher Eider, Elizabeth (Myron) Smieja and Billy (Jessica) Gunnarson Jr. Her grandchildren: Kylie, Kalina and Molly Smieja, Jaden, Mason, Corbin, Ethan, Dylan Thompson, Haylie Couture-Gunnarson, and Will Gunnarson 3rd. Additionally, she is survived by her sister-in-law Kimberly Moncrief, brother-in-law Rich Lindbloom and nieces and nephews Stacey (Kevin) Casterline, Denise (Brent) Peterson, Desiree (Darrell) Weets, Jake (Beth) Eider, Cassandra Eider, Samara (Josh) Roberts, Cory (Judy) Eider, Tamika Gilbert; and many beloved great nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by cousins, extended family, her bonus family, and countless friends.

There will be a visitation on Sunday, March 26, 2023, from 4pm to 6pm at First Memorial Funeral Chapel, 4100 Grand Avenue, Duluth. Visitation will continue at Duluth Gospel Tabernacle 1515 West Superior Street on Monday, March, 27, 2023 from 10am until the 11am funeral service. A luncheon will follow at the church, and interment will be held at a later date.