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Obituary

Cameron Baldwin Gundersen, M.D.

July 14, 2018 | 2 comments

Curiosity and concern. The origin of a word? Which bird was that? Can we save the American chestnut? Why are my young patients developing encephalitis? Is it possible to raise awareness of the horror of nuclear conflict? These were just some of the questions that motivated the man we knew as husband, father, grandfather and concerned citizen of planet earth.

It started in a Valhalla, Glen Cameron, in the shadow of Grandad and Cliffwood Bluffs. Surrounded by forests, hand-planted white pines, orchards and gardens, an interest in nature was kindled. Central High School, college at UW-Madison, and a family propensity led to a career in medicine. A turning point in this evolution was Rachel: a partner in love and life. Medical and military training took Cameron and Rachel on a journey from medical school at Boston University to Captain in the air force in San Francisco, New Jersey and Germany and then a research stint at University of Chicago before returning to La Crosse in 1965 to practice pediatrics at the clinic his grandfather founded. Along this path four sons were born and a fifth was added soon after returning to La Crosse. They grew up in Ebner’s Coulee exploring the same forests and fields that shaped their Dad.

Dr. Gundersen was a leader in preventative medicine. He spearheaded a decades’ long and successful collaborative battle against a deadly local mosquito-borne virus.  He persuaded the State of Wisconsin to adopt uniform immunization records. And, he originated a commemorative lantern float on the Mississippi River aimed at raising public awareness of nuclear weapons as a threat to public health.

As a naturalist and conservationist, Cameron was renowned for his foraging fungi and ornithological observation.  He was a co-founder of the American Chestnut Foundation.

Cameron Baldwin Gundersen, M.D. was born 19 February 1930 to Gunnar and Mary Baldwin Gundersen. He married Rachel Gutzke in 1951 and completed Boston University Medical School in 1956. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his five sons Cameron Jr. (Joy), Gregg (Geri), Adolf (Marguerite), Roald and Joshua (Cindy) and eight grandchildren: Brigitta (David), Ian, Finn, Estella, Jakob, Lukas, Trygve and Cameron. He was predeceased by siblings, Gunnar A (Betty), Mary Bugge and Anne.

Dr. Gundersen died on July 13 at Bethany – Riverside Nursing Home, where he had received compassionate and dignified care in the Memory Care unit. In appreciation, the family prefers memorials to Bethany Lutheran Homes, Gundersen Medical Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice.

A memorial gathering is planned for early September. Coulee Cremation Group is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences

2 Comments

  1. Richard Dungar

    My prayers and sympathy to Mrs. Gundersen and the family. Thank you for your service to our country and our community

  2. Pam Foegen

    Rachel and family, my sincere condolences to all of you. Cameron was truly a man who gave a lot to his community and family. He has left his mark on our community and will be missed. My sympathy to all of you and will keep you in my thoughts. Rachel it has been years but the memories of working with you remain strong.

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