Florence Gudmunson

Florence Gudmunson, 95, Somonauk, passed away Monday, April 17, 2023 at her daughter’s home in Somonauk. She was born November 27, 1927 on the family farm in Oswego, the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Sartor) Baumann. She married Knute Gudmunson on August 10, 1946 at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Aurora, IL. She became a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Somonauk, in 1951. Florence was a proud member of the the Buzzin’ Dozen, DeKalb County Home Extension, and The Sandwich Moose Lodge. Florence’s favorite past times were gardening, polka dancing with Knute, watching evening TV programs and reading the local newspapers. Florence was born just ahead of the Great Depression that many refer to as the “Greatest Generation.” At her 80th birthday celebrated with her family, she spoke of her younger years. She recalled that she felt blessed compared to other families that she never went hungry. Living on the farm there was always food for the dinner table. Florence always kept a garden and was passionate about working with family, stocking the cabinets with canned goods and other essentials raised on the farm. Florence talked about her years starting farming along side Knute, and purchased their first tractor in 1948 with “egg money” that she had saved.

She is survived by eight children, David (Kathy Liedtke) Gudmunson of Sandwich, Ann (James) Eccleston of East Peoria, Rose (Don) Rubis of Somonauk, Beth Jaske of Sandwich, John (Margo) Gudmunson of Somonauk, Julie (John Zglobicki) Haar of Streator, IL, Dan (Lisa) Gudmunson of Somonauk, Maggie (Jeff Chesnutt) Gudmunson of Sandwich; twenty-four grandchildren, Aaron (Samantha) Gudmunson, Seth (Katje) Gudmunson, Brett (Kim) Eccleston, April (Greg) Veselsky, Jenna (Cody) McClellen, Tim (Kim) Rubis, Corey (Amanda) Hubbartt, Erik (Carina Koenig) Jaske, Laura (Mike Lynn) Jaske, Nathan (Kimberly) Gudmunson, Marcy (Alan) Kinney, Megan (John Mestemaker) Gudmunson, Mallory (Chris) Bland, Makenzie (Derrick Romstedt) Gudmunson, Nicholas (Courtney) Gudmunson, Andy (Kelsey) Haar, Jake Haar, Joanna (Junior) Ruiz, Tyler (Sara) Haar, Tanner (Emily Roach) Haar, Mike (Kaitlyn) Gudmunson, Jessica (Alex) Aska, Valerie Fuchs, Savannah Fuchs; forty-nine great-grandchildren with a 50th great-grandchild coming at the end of May, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Knute; daughter-in-law, Lisa Gudmunson; three great-grandchildren; siblings, Dorothy Martens, Henry Baumann, Elizabeth Larson, and Mary Eisele.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Somonauk, IL with the Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the church with Father Kevin Butler officiating, assisted by Father Jim Eisele, (godson). Burial will follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Somonauk, IL. For more information or to sign the online guest book, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home
13160 Rt 34 W ~ PO Box 404
Somonauk, IL 60552
815-498-2363