Madeline D. Sunderman

Madeline Delores Sunderman, 92, of Emerson, NE, died on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at Heritage of Emerson Nursing Home in Emerson, NE. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emerson, NE. The visitation will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery of Emerson. Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Emerson is in charge of the arrangements. Madeline was born March 1, 1930, on a farm northwest of Emerson to John & Virginia (Beargeon) Paulsen. She went to a rural school for several years and attended Sacred Heart School where she graduated in 1947. She was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and had served as Altar Society President and other offices, taught CCD classes, the Parish Council, and volunteered whenever needed. On January 12, 1949, she married John Sunderman of Pender and they made their home on their farm northwest of Pender, until their retirement in 2001 when they built a home in Emerson. She was a very busy wife, helping Johnnie and raising six children. For several years, she worked as a bookkeeper for a local business. Madeline was involved with the Pender Hospital Auxiliary and belonged to a weekly bowling league. In her younger years, she made her own clothes and many bridesmaid dresses. In retirement, she and Johnnie would travel the Midwest to Polka festivals and Johnnie's horseshoe competition, she even learned to golf. Madeline loved playing cards with her family and friends and belonged to a Card Club. Madeline was an avid reader and loved working on crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. She especially loved her visits with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Madeline is survived by her 6 children, Rita Murphy of Miami, Arizona, Linda (Larry) Kent of Broomfield, Colorado, Edward Sunderman of Payson, Arizona, Alane (J.C.) Vollers of Gretna, Nebraska, Mary Tonjes of Pender, Nebraska, Carol Utemark of Lafayette, Colorado;10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sister, Paulina Krusemark; sister-in-law, Sis (Rose) Paulsen; brother-in-law, Ervin Fuchser, and many nieces and nephews. Madeline was preceded in death by her parents, husband Johnnie, two brothers, and two sisters.