Gudrun Marie (Smeby) Bulger, 92, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home where she had resided for the past several years.

Gudrun was born Nov. 16, 1921, to Iver and Clara (Nelson) Smeby in Moscow Township, Freeborn County, Minnesota. She grew up on a farm living with her parents and grandparents. She learned to love and care for animals and the environment. She attended Country School District 120 in Freeborn County. After completing the eighth grade, state board exams were required. She graduated from Austin High School in 1939 and attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Gudrun married Donald Bulger on Nov. 22, 1941, in Freeborn County, and was a homemaker in the early years of her married life. She was a wonderful caregiver to Donald for many years until he passed away on Dec. 24, 1990.

Gudrun worked in retail for some time before going to work at the Austin Public School Systems for 34 years where she was a friend to all who knew her, educators and students alike. She retired at age 75.

In 1980, Gudrun and Donald were selected Good Neighbors in Austin. She was a former member of Moscow Lutheran Church, St. Olaf Lutheran Church, and currently Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday School and Bible School, was a den mother for cub scouts, a member of Sumner PTA, Hormel Historic Home, Y Matrons, AAUW, and Austin area retired educators group.

In addition to her husband, Donald, she was preceded in death by her parents.

Gudrun is survived by her sons: Donald (Vicki) Bulger of Afton, Minnesota, David (Judy) Bulger of Rochester, Minnesota, Dennis (Jen Nelson) Bulger of Austin, Minnesota; daughter Denise (Joseph) Laudenbach of Brainerd, Minnesota; grandchildren: Robin Dupey, Waukesha, Wisconsin, Natalie (Harley) Terrill, Naples, Florida, Daniel (Darcy) Bulger, Kasson, Minnesota, Lisa (Kevin) Plank, Byron, Minnesota, Marie (Tom) Burrows, Lakeville, Minnesota, and Molly Laudenbach, Brainerd, Minnesota; great-grandchildren: Cassandra, Alexandra, Zachary, Jacob, Joshua, Nolan; step-great-grandchildren: Brooks and Lexi.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church with the Rev. Karen Behling officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

The Bulger family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Julie Olson, the staff of St. Mark’s Living and the staff of Heartland Hospice for the care given to “Goody.”