Upon retiring, Lyle took a whole weekend off and immediately started donating his time to the newly formed Oxnard Food Share, where he joyfully volunteered for 18 years. Lyle and his wife Virginia volunteered in more organizations than seemed humanly possible. They were involved in the Ventura County Fair Art Show; they also helped put together the annual art show at the Santa Paula library. Together they were involved in the Ventura Chapter of the Sons of Norway. Lyle took great pride in his Norwegian heritage, and was aptly named “the kind Viking from Santa Paula.” They were also involved with the Oxnard Bonsai Club and their annual Obon Festival.Lyle and Virginia traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Great Britain and Norway, whether visiting genealogy sites are accompanying Virginia while she sang with the Gold Coast Chorale. Lyle enjoyed a full and rich life.But his greatest pleasure came in doing for others. He was always helping the 90-year-old ladies in his neighborhood. Never a foul word left his lips, and he always had a piece of candy in his pocket to sneak to a pretty girl.His second greatest joy was delighting in the company of his grandchildren: two beautiful granddaughter, Annemarie and Tasha, and then finally two handsome grandsons, Neil and Quinn to carry on the Gunderson name. Lyle will be deeply missed, but his family is comforted that he is at peace with his Lord.Lyle leaves behind Virginia, his devoted wife of 54 years - Virginia lovingly cared for Lyle the past three years after he suffered a stroke; eldest son Steve, his wife Charlee, granddaughter Annemarie, her husband Ted, and great-grandson Steven, all of Washington; son Art and his wife Julie of Santa Paula; granddaughter Tasha, her fiancé Ryan, and great-granddaughter Josilyn of Ventura; and son Gus, his wife Helen, and grandsons Neil and Quinn of Ventura. Lyle also leaves his only sibling, his sister Phyllis of Niles, Michigan, and numerous relatives and friends.The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation to caregiver Annie Walters, who gently (yet firmly) cared for Lyle and supported Virginia for the past two years. “Thank you Annie.” They also wish to thank the other caregivers, Esther, Alfonzo and Elias, who were so kind in their care for Lyle, along with Santa Clara Valley Hospice for their wonderful support.A celebration of Lyle’s life will be held on Friday, April 7 at 11 a.m. at the Santa Paula First United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow at Logsdon’s Restaurant. Interment will follow at a later date at the Richardson Family Cemetery in Santa Paula.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America or WW II Veterans Memorial Fund.
Obituaries
April 05, 2006
Obituaries
Adolfo Zizumbo Contreras
Adolfo Zizumbo Contreras 46 years old of Jeruco, Cuitzeo, Michoacan passed away on Sunday, March 26,2006 in Mexicali, Baja California.Adolfo was born on Nov. 11, 1959, and enjoyed hearing and playing music; in his younger years he played in a music band in his home town.Adolfo is survived by his parents, Maria and Jose Zizumbo, and his children, Daniel Zizumbo Mazcote, Liz Zizumbo Mazcote, brothers and sisters Marilu, Lilia, Eleazar, Ruben, Rosa Isela, Daniel, and Eligo Zizumbo Contreras, 15 nieces and nephews, and sisters- and brothers-in-law.Visitation for Adolfo was on Tues., April 4th from 4pm-9pm at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary with a rosary at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass is to be held on Wed., April 5th at 10 am at Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church 427 N. Oak St. Burial will follow immediately after mass at Santa Clara Catholic Cemetery in Oxnard.Arrangements are under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary 738 E. Santa Paula St., Santa Paula, CA (805)525-3391.Lyle Quentin GundersonSeptember 18, 1920 – March 29, 2006Adopted son of Santa Paula Lyle “The Gentle Viking”, 85, departed this place, leaving his frail body and releasing his spirit to now fly free and soar high with his beloved eagles. Lyle was a gentle, generous and deeply devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. All those fortunate enough to know Lyle were touched by his kindness.Lyle was born and spent his early years on a farm in Lesterville, South Dakota. He was a “Depression kid” and never forgot the value of hard work and “Always leave a better place than you found it.”Lyle enlisted and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1940 through 1945. He was stationed in Anchorage, and then Nome, Alaska. His unit was transferred to Europe during World War II, and he served under General George Patton at the Battle of the Bulge. Lyle was active with the Santa Paula Chapter of the VFW and the Odd Fellows until his health deteriorated. He was always present performing full military honors at funerals for his fellow servicemen.Lyle worked in the propane business for 45 years following his discharge from the service; his vocation transferred him and his family up and down the west coast. Lyle retired from Cal Gas (now Amerigas) in 1985.
