We are pleased to announce the merger of Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services with Larson Weishaar Funeral Home. This partnership will ensure uninterrupted service provision in Manson and the surrounding region. Additionally, we thank Dean Weishaar for his invaluable contributions as he enters retirement.
MANSON, Iowa, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, in collaboration with Larson Weishaar Funeral Home, is thrilled to announce their merger formally. This partnership ensures that Gunderson Funeral Home will continue providing unparalleled funeral services in Manson and the surrounding region as Dean Weishaar prepares for his well-deserved retirement.
With a rich history spanning generations, Larson Weishaar Funeral Home has been a pillar of funeral services in Manson and the region. Initially established by Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Long, the funeral home operated from a Main Street building that also housed a furniture store. In 1916, S. R. Williams acquired the funeral home from Mr. Long and continued its operation until his passing in 1927. Mrs. Williams and her son then managed both businesses until 1936, when they relocated to the historic Kaskey house, constructed in 1889.
In 1951, Larson Weishaar Funeral Home ownership was transferred to Mr. and Mrs. Don Larson, followed by Dean Weishaar in 1982. Dean and his family resided on the premises, overseeing the funeral home, until an unfortunate fire destroyed the facility and their residence in January 2002. Undeterred, a state-of-the-art facility was built on the same site and opened in January 2003.
The merging of Phil Gunderson and Dean Weishaar marks a union rooted in a longstanding professional relationship. Dean gained invaluable experience apprenticing under Phil’s uncle, Jim Ewald, a respected funeral director in Minneapolis, before establishing his own presence in Lake City and the Manson area. The fire incident in 2002 brought them together again, with the Gunderson staff providing invaluable support and services to the community during rebuilding.
Dean will continue to play an integral role in the funeral home, assisting Rob Gunderson, Phil’s son, in the ownership transition. Rob, his wife Kelcie, and their three children have been a part of the Manson area community for several years.
“When I first contemplated retirement, Phil was the first person I approached. Their family-run business and values perfectly align with ours,” expresses Dean. “With Rob’s youth and dedication, the people of Manson can rest assured that the same level of care we have diligently provided for over 42 years will continue. I am confident in the Gunderson family’s commitment to upholding these values and supporting the community.”
Rob Gunderson enthusiastically adds, “As a younger generation taking on significant responsibilities, we are honored to carry Dean’s exceptional legacy forward. It is our privilege to maintain the tradition that he has established over the years. We extend our warm wishes to him for a fulfilling retirement and well-deserved rest.”
Larson Weishaar Funeral Home is located at 1408 11th Ave, Manson, IA 50563. Contact information remains the same, and calls can be made to 712-469-3315 and submitted to www.larsonweishaar.com/contact-us. Additional information is available at www.larsonweishaar.com and on Facebook. Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services is at 1615 N 15th St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Calls can be made to 515-576-7128 and [email protected]. Online information is www.gundersonfuneralhome.com and on Facebook.
Media Contact
Cheryl OHern, Spin Markket, 1 515-302-8026, [email protected], www.spinmarkket.com
Rob Gunderson, Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1 515-576-7128, [email protected], www.gundersonfuneralhome.com
SOURCE Spin Markket
