Heide-Lore Brigitte Gunderson, 82, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, with her beloved husband, Herbert Gunderson, by her side. Born in Heilbronn, Germany, to Frieda and Oskar Fellmeth, Heide lived a remarkable life filled with love, resilience, and devotion to her family.

Heide was a young child during World War II, enduring the era’s hardships with courage. She vividly recalled fleeing Heilbronn as a child, traveling by foot, bike, and, in her case, a stroller. Her father, Oskar, tragically died in the war, leaving Heide and her mother, Frieda, to forge a close bond. After the war, Frieda visited Heide in the United States every Christmas for three to four months until her passing in her 80s, a tradition that brought joy to the family.

Heide shared a tight bond with her brother Joachim, who had immigrated to the United States before her. Eager to remain close, Joachim later moved to Minnesota to be near Heide and her family and joined them in relocating to Punta Gorda, Florida, around the same time in 1974.

In Heilbronn, Heide met Herbert, a U.S. Army soldier stationed there. The two fell in love, married in Germany, and later moved to the United States. After Herbert completed his enlistment in Colorado, they settled in Minnesota to raise their four sons: Miko, Tom, Randy, and Craig. In 1974, the family, along with Joachim, relocated to Punta Gorda, Florida, where Heide and Herbert built a warm and welcoming home.

Heide embraced her new life in America, learning English primarily by watching soap operas. She cherished German-speaking conversations with Herbert’s grandmother, who also spoke the language. A talented homemaker, Heide was renowned for her culinary skills, delighting her family with traditional German dishes alongside American favorites. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and tradition.

When not nurturing her family, Heide contributed to the small businesses the Gunderson family owned. In her quieter moments, she found solace in reading romance novels, a favorite pastime that brought her joy.

Heide is survived by her devoted husband, Herbert Gunderson; her four sons, Miko, Tom, Randy, and Craig; her 12 cherished grandchildren; her 10 beloved great-grandchildren; and a legacy of love that will live on through them all. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frieda and Oskar Fellmeth, and her brothers, Joachim and Peter Fellmeth.

Heide’s life was a testament to strength, love, and the beauty of blending cultures. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. A private family service will be held in her honor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice in Heide’s name.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Charlotte, Chapel.