Obituary/Ethan Thomas Gunnarson

Ethan Thomas Gunnarson was born on June 14, 1989, in Grand Forks, ND, to Larry Gunnarson and Melissa Gunnarson (Green). He was raised in Halma, MN, until the age of 12, when he, his mom, and his little sister, Ashley, moved to Brainerd, MN. He continued to spend time with his family in Kittson County until he moved back at the age of 18. Ethan graduated from Dassel-Cokato ALC in 2007. 

Ethan met the love of his life, Julie Spears, early in his life, and they continued to be friends until love blossomed when he asked her to go on a snowmobile ride in March of 2008. They went on their first date on April 19, 2008. Ethan not only fell in love with Julie but also her daughter, Veronica. They became a family and settled in Karlstad. Ethan loved being a dad, and on March 2, 2011, they welcomed their daughter, Abigail Ruth Gunnarson. The next year, they welcomed their third daughter, Makayla Suzanne Gunnarson, on May 2, 2012. 

 In 2011, they moved to a farm outside Karlstad. Ethan wanted his family to enjoy the outdoors as much as he did. 

 Surrounded by friends and family, Ethan and Julie were united in marriage on July 11, 2015, at Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Halma, MN. 

On May 26, 2017, they welcomed their son, Liam Thomas Gunnarson. Their family was complete when little Athena Jeanine Rene Gunnarson was born on January 14, 2025. 

 Ethan loved the outdoors. He could often be found fishing at the gravel pits and hunting deer in the fall. He grew up helping his grandpa Cliff and Uncle Tom on the farm and with the cows. Ethan worked several jobs over the years, and in 2013, he and his best friend, Levi Hillyer, started L & E Tree Service & Landscaping. He was a hard worker and was always willing to help out anyone. 

Adventures were never in short supply when Ethan was around. Whether it was swimming, ATV riding, going on a snowmobile ride, fishing, or family vacations, he always found a way to squeeze every ounce of fun out of whatever he did. Ethan had an infectious laugh and a smile that lit up the room. 

 Ethan was endlessly proud of his kids. He was always in attendance at their sporting events and activities. He was the first to cheer them on. 

 Ethan cherished his large extended family and would take every opportunity to spend time with them. He grew up close to his cousins and knew that those connections were important to maintain. He was “Uncle Ethan” to all of his cousins' children. 

 On April 13, 2026, Ethan was injured in a work accident and was called home to heaven. He was a cherished husband, father, son, brother, nephew, cousin, brother-in-law, and friend. He welcomed people into his life with kindness. His heart was full of love for his family and friends, and it radiated outward. 

His impact is unforgettable, and he had a way of making a lasting impression with whatever he did. He will be missed by many. 

 He is survived by his loving wife, Julie; their five children, Veronica, Abigail, Makayla, Liam, and Athena; his father, Larry Gunnarson; his mother, Melissa Gunnarson (Green); his mother-in-law,  Laurie Spears; his father-in-law, Jeff Spears; his sisters, Michelle (Darrin) Warnke and Ashley (Tyler Castle) Gunnarson-Green; his brother, Michael (Lindy Mann) Gunnarson; his brother-in-law, Josh (Bobbie Przybylski) Spears; and sister in law, Jody (John Pyatte) Spears. He is also survived by his aunts, Cathy (Kevin) Waller, Connie (Kevin) Swenson, Terri Syverson, Judy (Larry) Johnson; his uncles, LaMar (Kay) Gunnarson and Tom Green; his nieces, Paige (Derik) Sivertson and their children, Hadley and Blake; Emily (Mike Eide) Caple and their daughter, Daizy; and Hanna Warnke; his nephews, Dylon Warnke, Skyler Swenson, Zach Gunnarson, Rylan Gunnarson, Emalee Spears, and Karsyn Carpenter; his cousins, Matt (Laura) Capelle and their children, Anders and Linnea, Staci (Nick) Loken and their child, Henry, Kendrah (Barret) Germundson and their children, Jesse, Gracie, Glorie, Luca, and Bjorn, Kristyne (Jeff) Duray and their children, Riley, Lilly (Timothy) Johnson, and Finley, Tanner (Shelbi Watts) Swenson; Katelyn (Andrew Carlson) Swenson; Courtney (Luke) Sadler and their children, Isabelle and Jolene, Justine (Taylor) Anderson and their children, Jocelyn and Kiera, Kelsie (Brian) Torgerson and their children, Harper, Sutton, and Esme, Katie (Mitch) Maaninga and their children, Reider and Reid, Bradley (Janie Berg) Waller, Mike (Lori) Lindholm, Derrick (Shannon) Converse, Tony (Kristi) Converse, Jared Johnson, Brandon (Ashley) Johnson, Sarah Johnson, and Jacob Johnson; as well as many other extended family members and friends. 

 He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Merle and Verna Gunnarson and Clifford and Ruth Green; brother-in-law, Thomas Spears; and grandfather-in-law, Arlyss Davis. 

 A funeral service for Ethanw will be held on Tuesday, April 21 at 11:00 a.m. in Maria Lutheran Church in Kennedy, MN. Visitation will be held in the church for an hour before the service. Interment will be in Eidsvold Cemetery following a luncheon at the church. Arrangements by Austin Funeral Home, Hallock.