Magdalene Gunden

Magdalene Gunden, age 89, of Pigeon, formerly of Bay Port, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, with her family by her side.

Magdalene was born in Goshen, Indiana, on June 6, 1932, to Jonas D. and Amanda M. (Miller) Stutzman. She married Delmar J. Gunden on November 4, 1950, in Indiana at North Goshen Mennonite Church. He preceded her in death on August 12, 1999.

Magdalene, along with her husband, was the owner and operator of Pine Grove Hatchery and Advance Supply Company in Sebewaing. She also managed the music ministry careers of both her daughter Tami Gunden and her brother Danny Lee. She obtained her real estate broker's license while living in North Carolina and was a loan officer for First Union Bank in North Carolina and then in Florida. When she returned to Michigan, she opened Home Sweet Home Retirement Manor (AFC Home) in Pigeon.

Magdalene was an avid reader of the Bible and prayed for many, especially her grandchildren, and saw many of her prayers answered. She was a member of The River's Edge Church in Caseville, MI, which is pastored by her son, John Gunden. Magdalene and her husband mentored and cared for over 40 foster children and had 14 of those children live with them in their home through the years. She enjoyed music and harmonizing, sewing, playing board games with her grandchildren, doing puzzles, and eating popcorn every Sunday.

Magdalene is survived by her children: Grant Gunden, Dawn (Jack) McCain, Kayeleen (Richard) Brinkman, John (Margaret) Gunden, and Tami (Brad) Stamm; grandchildren: Bridget Gunden, Andrew (Monica) Gunden, John (Lisa) McCain, Rochelle (Kevin) Discher, Joleen (Chris) Sterr, Matthew (Shannon) McCain, Justin (Kayla) Laney, Morgan Laney, Joshua (Tracey) Brinkman, Joel (Lindsey) Brinkman, Jacob Brinkman, Jennifer (Josh) Hunter, Harrison (Rachel) Gunden, Emily (Ryan) Badgerow, Graham (Sarah) Gunden, Gretta Gunden, Maggie Mae (Bram) Eggink, Iva (Dylan) Brock, Mercy Gunden, Sara (Dan) Morrill, and Ethan Stamm; 21 great-grandchildren; siblings: Sara Birkey, Ruby Laidler, Fannie Birky, and Gloria Harper; and many nieces and nephews.

Magdalene is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings: Vernon Stutzman, Dorothy Geiger, Joe Stutzman, Dave Stutzman, Valentine Stutzman, Fred Stutzman, and Danny Lee Stutzman and two great-grandchildren, Elioea and November Badgerow.

Visitation will be Friday, July 2, 2021, at The River's Edge Church, 6750 Main St., Caseville, MI, from 2 pm to 8 pm.

The funeral service will be Saturday, July 3, 2021, at The River's Edge Church, 6750 Main St., Caseville, MI. Visitation will be from 10 am until the time of service at 11 am.

Burial will be at Pigeon River Mennonite Church Cemetery in Pigeon, MI, following the service.

Memorial donations may be given to New Life for Adults and Youth, 909 Turner Road, Richmond, VA, 23225.