Alma Louise Gunderson, 71, of Sioux City, IA, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 13, 2025.  A celebration of her life will be held Thursday, July 24 from 4-9 p.m. at the Railroad Museum, 3400 Sioux River Rd, Sioux City, IA 51109.  Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.

Alma was born on May 18, 1954, in Sioux City, IA to Arndt and Margaret (Spaustat) Gunderson.  After graduating high school, she began working as a fry cook at the Carousel in South Sioux City and then at the Hwy 75 truck stop.  Alma then worked as a jailer at the Dakota County Jail for over 30 years before retiring.  Even though she was tiny, she was mighty.  Alma was well was well respected and her smallness was never mistaken for weakness.

Family meant everything to Alma, she was especially close with her mom and sister.  They enjoyed traveling and camping, often going to Des Moines or Missouri.  Even though she never had children of her own, she took on the mom role to her numerous nieces and nephews.  She would spoil the kids each year with lots of Christmas gifts.  She was known for her love of John Denver and quirky collections of ink pens, flashlights, and key chains.

Those left to honor her memory include her sister, Lillian Carlson, and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents and several siblings.