On Monday, June 24, 2024, Jennifer Mae Pierce Gunderson, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, passed away in Amarillo, Texas, at the age of 47.

Jennifer was born October 25, 1976, in La Crosse to Joseph and Diane (Risberg) Pierce. She spent many of her formable years with Daniel and Diane (Risberg) Gunderson. She was baptized and confirmed at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Crosse and attended Mt. Calvary Lutheran School where she enjoyed several activities, one of which was cheerleading. She continued her interest in cheerleading at La Crosse Central High School, graduating in 1994.

Jennifer then joined and served in the United States Air Force in 1997 and was part of the 737th Training Group Basic Military Training School at Lackland AFB, Texas–31st Squadron, Flight W084. Following her service in the Air Force, Jennifer returned to the Midwest and attended Winona Community College in Winona, Minnesota, graduating in 2001.

In 2005, Jennifer graduated from Eastern Washington University in Spokane, Washington, where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work—cum laude. In 2006, she moved to Denver, Colorado, to attend an elite accelerated master’s program at Denver University where she received a Master of Social Work Degree. She then moved to Hoquiam, Washington, where she served as a social worker.

Jennifer was known for her quick wit, playfulness, infectious smile, musical talent, and kind and compassionate spirit. She relied on her faith throughout her life and was a believer in Jesus.

In 2020, Jennifer returned to Denver to spend time with her father, Joseph. After his passing in 2021, Jennifer returned to Texas where she had served in the Air Force.

Jennifer is survived by her half brother Tristan Groleau; step father Daniel (Cynthia) Gunderson; step siblings Megan Gunderson and Samuel Gunderson; aunts and uncles Debra (Dennis) Lee, Mary Pierce Vinson, Jon (Linda) Pierce, Teresa Pierce (John Daniel), Paul (Annette) Pierce, and Annie Pierce Putz. First cousins Matthew (Kacie) Lee, Ramsey Lee, and Nathan Lee (on her mother’s side); Jason (Katie) Pierce, Joshua Pierce, Rachel Cohen, Eric Pierce, Shaun (Ali) Pierce, Erin Pierce, Alexandra Putz, and Casey Putz (on her father’s side), as well as numerous relatives and friends.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her mother Diane Marie (Risberg) Groleau and father Joseph Edward Pierce, Grandparents Duane and Eloice Risberg, Grandparents Edward and Dorothy Pierce, Great Grandparents Lawrence and Verna Hamilton.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at Pine Cliff Cemetery, Galesville, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to a charity of the donor’s choice. Many thanks to Shafer Mortuary, Amarillo, Texas, O’Connell Funeral Home, Hudson, Wisconsin, and Pine Cliff Cemetery, Galesville, Wisconsin.