Clinton Clyde Gunderson II

Clinton Clyde Gunderson II passed away on Saturday December 14, 2024. He was 57 years old. Clinton was born on August 7, 1967, to Max Edward Sr. and Rosalie Faye Gunderson in Englewood California. Siblings Max, Norma, and Ernest were waiting at home for him. A few years later, his sister Dawn would complete their family. His family moved to Washington and then to Utah. Clinton spent his early childhood going to school and playing outside in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Salt Lake City. There are many crazy stories of Clinton’s mischievous adventures with his siblingsin the area.

Clintons family moved to Kearns when he was about 11 years old, where he finished his schooling. He was active in Scouts and played Little League Baseball. Clinton loved animals had many pets. For several years he bred Flemish Giant rabbits. Clinton showed the rabbits at the county and state fairs, where he received many best of show and 1st place ribbons. Clintonplayed high school football and was on the wrestling team for Kearns High. He was known as “Gundy” on his teams and lettered in all his sports.Clinton’s favorite classes in high school were woodworking and being a TAfor Coach Kowa. He graduated from Kearns High in 1986. That September, Clinton left for his LDS mission to Louisville Kentucky, where he served honorably for 2 years.

While on his mission, one area he served in was Lexington Kentucky, wherehe first met Sister Cheri Smith. Once they were both home from theirmissions, Clinton and Cheri started dating. They were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on March 22, 1989. The first few years of married life were hard as they were both working and going to college. They were able to buy their first home in Kearns and Clinton graduated from ITT Technical Institute in March 1991. At this time, Clinton and Cheri were trying to start a family without success. Through infertility, they grew stronger together in the gospel and found a way to create a family. After learning about DCFS foster care and foster adopt options, they jumped right in because they knew they had all the love in the world for the children that needed it the most. Clinton and Cheri were overjoyed when their first son came to live with them on November 16, 1993. Over the next several years, they continued to offer foster care for 17 children; 6 more of which were adopted by the Gunderson family. Each child brought a new adventure: Corey, Cameron, Christina, Christopher, Chad, Jessica, and Max; and as each officially joined the family, they were sealed together in the Salt Lake City Temple. Clinton felt blessed to know families are forever!

The Gunderson family moved to Grantsville in 1999. It was a wonderful time for the family. Clinton enjoyed watching his children grow and learn. He was honored to bless, baptize and confirm each child. He was dedicated to helping and cheering them on in all their sports: Dance, Gymnastics, Soccer, T-ball, Baseball, Basketball, Football, Cross Country, Track and Field, and Wrestling. He was a little league baseball coach and an assistantcoach with the high school wrestling team. Clinton was also a devoted Scoutmaster for Troop 1109, a special needs troop, and helped with Troop 516 in the Willow Creek Ward. He was a registered Scout volunteer for 25 years, taking on the roles of committee member, Webelos leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, Cub Scout roundtable and staff merit badge counselor. Clinton earned many Scout recognitions throughout his life. In his youth, he earned the Arrow of Light and God and Service. As an adult,he received the Order of Arrow member, God and Country, God and Service, Scouters key, Scouters training award, Disability Awareness Service Award, and the District Award of Merit. Clinton also helped in Girl Scout Troop 1123 as a badge instructor and support member. The family received the Girl Scout Family Award of Service recognition. Clinton wasso proud of his 3 sons who earned the Eagle Scout Award, and his 2 daughters that earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. He was grateful for the help and care his boys gave to his special needs troop. In 2006 Clinton and Cheri helped form a Special Olympics team, The Tooele County Giants. The team has grown so much through the years, and has proved a valuable asset to the community, in addition to allowing their children the opportunity to stay active and be social. As Head Coach Clinton enjoyed helping the athletes learn different sports and increase their skill levels. Through the years, Clinton has been active in the LDS church, fulfilling many callings such as: Young Men’s secretary, Young Men’s 2nd counselor, Young Men’s 1st counselor, Sunday School teacher, Primary teacher, home teacher and Scouting. 

Clinton was a hardworking and dependable employee. He worked during high school delivering pizza and in the kitchen at a care center. After his mission, he worked in warehouse and delivery occupations. Clinton worked at Standard Restaurant Supply, Crus Oil, Mag Corp, Precision Building Systems, and then Premier Canteen. Clintons's hobbies included video games, woodworking, fishing, camping, traveling, and was a big fan of Christmas, the color orange and Donald Duck!

Clintons family and friends are devastated with his sudden passing from anautomobile accident. His loss will be felt by so many people. He was preceded in death by his son Chad, his parents, sister-in-law Julie, and many other relatives. What a glorious reunion he had that morning with them! We are comforted to know he is surrounded by loved ones and is at peace and no longer in pain. Clinton is survived by his children: Corey (Elieth), Jessica Badillo (Fernando), Cameron, Max III (Olivia), Christina, and Christopher and grandchildren: April, Paislee, Max IV, Kyri and Myla. His siblings: Max Jr., Norma Erickson (Cliff), Ernest, Dawn Jones (Antony) and many nephews, nieces and extended family. 

Thank you for all the love and support you have shown us at this difficult time.