A LIVESTREAM OF THE GUNDERSON FUNERAL WILL BE AVAILABLE AT 11 AM TUESDAY, APRIL 13, USING THIS LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=hvyRJV-0xSA

William E. "Will" Gunderson was born in Houston on October 11, 1971. The son of Beverly and Alan Gunderson, Will led a life of uncommon devotion to his family and his profession. An exceptional third-generation Houston firefighter, he was an even better person.

Making a positive difference – at home and in the northwest Houston neighborhoods where he served his entire career as a firefighter – was Will's constant focus. After graduating from Waller High School in 1990, he earned a degree in fire science from Houston Community College. He was one of six family members, including his father, grandfather and brother, who have served as Houston firefighters.

Will rose to the rank of Captain and was named Houston Firefighter of the Year in 2016. He also won a Houston Fire Department valor award after he and his crew saved children in a house fire. His HFD service included assignments at Stations 31, 4 and 13. The fire service was far more than just a job to Will. He enjoyed off-duty time with the families of his crews and knew all of their spouses and children. He also knew many neighbors in the Oak Forest and Garden Oaks areas near Station 13, where he served for the past 16 years. In turn, the neighbors often brought food to the station.

Will's strong bonds with those he served evolved from a lifetime of large family gatherings. The oldest of 14 grandchildren, he grew up in Houston and Waller County with countless good times with his siblings, 11 cousins, his parents, and his grandparents. Whether in school, in scouting or in other activities, Will was competitive and focused, but also compassionate. As an adult, he insisted on vacations that included extended family – from cruises to time on Lake Somerville. Throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, snow and water skiing, and family time.

Above all, Will was a dedicated family man. His survivors include his wife Stephanie; son Alan; daughter Shelby Winters (Kimberly); daughter Kalee Winford; grandson Jaxon Winford; mother-in-law Joyce Zimmerman; sister Kelly Barker (Jamie); brother Kyle Gunderson (Kristin); brother-in-law Barry Adams (Marcela); and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by grandparents Mavis and William Suehs and Doris and Ernst Gunderson. He also leaves behind Tug, his beloved English Bulldog, who was his constant companion.

As Will's illness progressed, he lovingly continued to provide for his family, often working while sick. He also strived to keep having good times and maintain some normalcy. Along the way, Will taught Alan to prepare for manhood and to help take care of their family while culminating the achievement of Alan earning his Eagle Scout rank. They worked on home projects and Alan learned valuable life skills. Will loved his wife, son, daughters and grandson with everything he had.

The Gunderson family is grateful for the support of the HFD Family; the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association; the Jersey Village Fire Department; physician's assistant Jocelyn Mitchell; the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, including Dr. Van Karlyle Morris, II; and Marcela Adams for her hospice care. Will was especially thankful for his Station 13 crew, led by Captain Paul Bivens, for the benefits, riding and shift holders.