Kathy Gunderson, age 56 of Rochester, died Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at Methodist Hospital after a courageous one-year battle with breast cancer.

Kathy Margotta was born July 26, 1953 to Richard and Theresa Margotta at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. Kathy attended St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School, and graduated from Lourdes High School in 1971. After high school, she married Jerry Davidson, and was later divorced. On December 12, 1981 she married Gary Gunderson in Rochester. Together, they raised four children.  She loved camping and boating on the Mississippi River, and trips to the casino. Kathy also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially her nine grandchildren whom she dearly loved with all her heart. Kathy worked at Methodist Hospital in the ER for many years.  She later worked at Olmsted Medical Group in the Podiatry Department.  At the time of her diagnosis, Kathy was employed at REM River Bluffs of Rochester.

Survivors include her husband Gary, her mother, Theresa Margotta of Rochester, her children, Jamie (special friend Holly) Davidson, Jessie (Tara) Davidson, Jodi (Joseph) Daing and Jon Gunderson, all of Rochester, two sisters: Mary (Albert) Hovda of Rochester, Barb (Charlie) Johnston of Rochester, seven brothers, Dick (Ed) of Minneapolis, David of Bloomington, Jerry (Lynn) of Farmington, Mark (Karen) of Rochester, John of Rochester, Bob (Terri) of Rochester and Joe of Ramsey, MN.  Nine grandchildren: Jack, Luke, Alex, Violet, Wil, Calvin, Lindsay, Jacob and Jazmin.  She is preceded in death by her father, Richard Margotta and a sister-in-law Linda Gunderson.

A Funeral Mass is planned for Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 10:30AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Father Will Thompson officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery Rochester. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 15, 2010 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at Macken Funeral Home, and one-hour prior to services at the church.

Macken Funeral Home in Charge of Arrangements

www.mackenfuneralhome.com