Philip Durand Gunderson, 88, of Grayslake, Illinois, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at his home.
Phil was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 9, 1938, to Chester and Ethel (Swanson) Gunderson. On June 16, 1961, he married the love of his life, Carol (Ziebarth) Gunderson, also of Minneapolis.
Phil earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. Following graduation, he and Carol moved to Illinois, where Phil taught mathematics at Trinity University while attending Trinity Seminary. In 1968, he began a distinguished 27-year career at Motorola, progressing from design engineer to key executive leadership roles. Over the years, he served as Vice President and General Manager of the Automotive Division, Corporate Vice President and Director of Operations and Services, and Corporate Vice President and Director of the Sensor and Power Control business before retiring in 1995.
A man of profound faith, Phil dedicated much of his life to ministry and serving others. He was an active member of Our Savior Evangelical Free Church in Wheeling, Illinois, where he served in lay leadership roles, participated in AWANA clubs and Evangelism Explosion, led small groups, and taught Sunday School. He was involved with starting and guiding a Bible study for over 35 years. Passionate about mentorship and global outreach, Phil also served on the board of Reaching India Ministries International (RIMI).
Above all, Phil’s greatest passion was sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone he met. Deeply desiring that others experience the hope he found in Jesus, he joyfully proclaimed the good news of God’s love—that Christ died for our sins, rose again, and offers forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life as a free gift to all who place their faith in Him.
Phil was widely known for his gentleness, self-sacrifice, kindness, and deep concern for the needs of others. He lived out his faith in every area of life, showing quiet strength and unwavering compassion to family, friends, and strangers alike. In his later years, this quiet devotion was most beautifully displayed in his gentle, selfless care for Carol through her ongoing journey with dementia.
Outside of his ministry and work, Phil embraced life with energy and curiosity. He loved snorkeling, snowmobiling, fishing, tackling fix-it projects around the house, and taking cherished trips to Hawaii with Carol. He took immense joy in watching his grandchildren carve out their own distinct paths, marveling at how uniquely talented and remarkable each one had become. He cherished updates and photos of them on Facebook, and he never missed an opportunity to share just how deeply proud he was of every single one.
Phil was grateful for the many caregivers that helped him care for Carol – especially Kelly Wilkinson who was like another daughter to him.
Phil is survived by his beloved wife, Carol, and four of their children: Pam (Scott) Wallem, Mark (Misty) Gunderson, Paul (Kate) Gunderson, and Joel (Rahel) Gunderson. He leaves behind a rich legacy through his 15 grandchildren—Josh, Crystal, Brant, Nathan, Jordan, Mina, Brielle, Janae, Caleb, Isaac, Micah, Titus, Kyan, Trinity and Nura—as well as 9 great-grandchildren: Sage, Casey, Thea, Maylee, Emery, Autumn, Elijah, (Baby boy due any day), and Harrison.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Rich; and his son, Peter, in 1977.