Arthur James Gunderson, Jr., 70, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2018 at Episcopal Church Home. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.
Art was a fun-loving father and husband, and he was always “up for a good time” with family and friends. He was an avid sports fan -- unwavering in his support for the University of Kentucky Wildcats, and passionate about local grade school and high school basketball. For more than 30 years he served as a basketball coach in a variety of capacities for Our Lady of Lourdes, Assumption High School and Kentucky Country Day. Art was equally zealous about running: His claim to fame was running 40 consecutive Kentucky Derby Festival half marathons, including the inaugural race in 1974. He was also a lifelong member of Audubon Country Club and an active parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Art will forever be remembered as a loyal husband, a benevolent father, and a great storyteller who was a stranger to no one.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Janice Sparks Gunderson; son, Eric Gunderson (Jenny); daughters Laurie Young (Doug) and Kristin Hunt (Tom); and seven grandchildren, Alex, Maggie, Molly, Elle, Beckett, Lydia and Nora.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Christine Waddle and Arthur Gunderson Sr.; his grandmother, Betty Snead; his mother- and father- in laws, Jean and Joe Sparks, and Bill Emrich; and his sister-in-law Carol Babb (Steve).
Visitation will be held on Sun., Oct. 21 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Highlands Funeral Home (3331 Taylorsville Rd., Louisville). His funeral Mass will be celebrated Mon., Oct. 22, at noon, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church (508 Breckenridge Ln., Louisville).

Memorial contributions in Art’s name can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org/get-involved/#ways_to_give) or to the Our Lady of Lourdes Legacy Foundation.

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