Annette Van Gundy

Annette Van Gundy, 58, of La Crescent MN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at home.

Annette was born on September 15, 1967, in La Crosse, WI, the daughter of Allen and Loretta (Leifeld) Van Gundy. Annette’s love of animals started at a young age with her uncle Harold’s pulling team of horses, and later with her and her dad’s horses. Her love of animals went beyond just horses; Annette had a soft spot in her heart for dogs as well. Chip the dog was a loyal companion and sidekick for many years. One day on the job Annette found and saved a baby turtle, whom she lovingly named Tink. Without hesitation she scooped him up and kept him safe in an empty cigarette box until she finished work for the day and was able to make him a proper home.

Annette was selfless and had a heart of gold, she would help anyone, with anything at any time without hesitation. In her younger years she would stay with relatives and help them on their farms, when needed. After her mother’s passing in 2011, Annette gave up everything and moved in with her father to help out. She also became a mother figure to her two younger sisters, also taking on the role of co-guardian of her sister Linda, a position she held with great leadership and honor. Family was the most important aspect of Annette’s life; she enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Always looking forward to the annual family NASCAR trip to Las Vegas, and Sunday video chats with her sisters.

She was the best storyteller, making sure to add every detail. Annette loved learning how to make lefse to carry on the family tradition. She was also crafty and could make anything from T-shirts to the most cherished jewelry tree from her mom’s earrings. Her and her sisters started collecting angels when their mom was hospitalized at age of 54, making sure to gift one another a new angel every year for birthdays and Christmas. Never one to pass up a bargain, Annette and Nancy spent countless hours bonding, while on the hunt clearance shopping. Their first stop after a shopping trip was to show dad the treasures they found. Annette’s father Allen was her role model and she loved following in his footsteps. She worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator and was a member of Operating Engineers Local 139, just as Allen had. She spent most of her 23 years as an operator working with the Mathy Family and spent the other time working alongside her father doing pipeline work.

Annette is survived by her sisters, Linda Van Gundy of La Crescent, Nancy (Charlie Hotchkiss) Van Gundy of La Crosse; many aunts, uncles, cousins, good friends, and Tink.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Loretta, paternal grandparents, Carl and Luellen; maternal grandparents, Peter and Gertrude Leifeld; and Chip.

A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, in Houston, MN, with visitation starting an hour prior to service.

Hoff Funeral Home Houston is assisting the family.

Service will be livestreamed. Please follow the link below to watch remotely.

https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/3WJMJB