Marie my memories of you and Wally are filled with music. What a joy singing in the choir with you both. Wally had a gentle, caring, soul and will be missed by many.
Ruth & Dan Mohwinkel
August 14, 2020
I have such great memories of Wally from working with him at Harrison. He was just down the hall from me on the 2nd story. He encouraged me as a new teacher, helped me rearrange my classroom, and was a marvelous music teacher. He truly cared about each and every student.
Sandy Lewis
August 3, 2020
Have so many memories of Wally while at Harrison!!! May God hold you especially tight during this difficult time..
Elaine Olson
July 30, 2020
Dear Marie, I was very sorry to hear of your loss of Wally. I want to thank you and he for being such good friends to my parents, Ralph and Frances Purdy. It meant the world to Mom that you two continued to write her at Cottage Grove. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Laurie Purdy Cover
Laurie Purdy Cover
July 30, 2020
I have very fond memories of your time in Monticello when we were all young couples starting out. Our children were really devistated when you moved away and they didn't have "Wally" for their music teacher any more. He had a real way with the children. I remember helping you move to the house out in Hollywood and still have the seafood casserole recipe you served the helpers that day. My how time flies. I hope you will have family near you Marie as staying alone during the covid hasn't been fun. Hope you are still driving. I know you had a good teacher! Love and God bless....Norene
Norene McCaustland
July 29, 2020
When I first joined First Lutheran Wally and Marie were two of the first to befriend me. Wally showed genuinely interested in my family, particularly my kids. We had them for dinner one evening and had a wonderful time. Wally lived his faith like no other. He was a true man of God. He touched countless lives and those of us lucky enough to know him were profoundly touched by his witness. Thank you Wally! Rest well in God’s arms. Marie and Family, you have our deepest sympathy and condolences. Lean on each other and our merciful God. To God be the glory!
Ken and Allison Winter
Ken and Allison Winter
July 29, 2020
My sympathies to the whole family. Wally taught me much about how to be genuine, caring, and ready to go the extra mile. I still chuckle at the muffler held on by piano wire when I had problems while visiting the house. Thank you all for being positive influences on the rest of us.
Richard Tiegs
July 29, 2020
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to the Sundet family. Mr. Sundet was my first music teacher at Shannon Elementary School in Monticello, IA. All of the kids enjoyed his music class because he would ALWAYS make it fun. We would sing, laugh and giggle as he taught us some of the old time songs! That’s part of my childhood that will always be in my memory and bring a warm smile to my face. Mr. Sundet loved the kids and we loved him too! Heaven is not only sounding more beautiful, but it is also a bit brighter with him there, too. Peace be with you all.
Linda Patten
July 29, 2020
Mr. Sundet was my elementary music teacher. He didn't just teach notes and music, he taught us the love of music, something we could carry with us the rest of our lives.
I was also privileged to know Wally as an adult and to know and love his wife, Marie. as a valued co-worker and friend. My heart is grieving for all of you.
Alex Chase Jones
July 28, 2020
I was blessed to have this great man not only as my school music teacher but also in St. Matthews church choir. So many great memories of him being strict (I had to sit under his piano once for talking but I deserved it) but also for his genuine love of us and his music. Thank you Sundet family for sharing him with all of us. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Janda (Hoffman) Petersen
July 28, 2020
Both of my kids were blessed to have Mr. Sundet as their music teacher during their years at Harrison. He was an absolutely great teacher and brought out the best in the kids he taught. He encouraged them to reach outside their comfort zones and do more than they ever thought possible. What a positive influence on so many kids! Condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Deb Steitz
July 27, 2020
I have so many wonderful memories of Mr. Sundet's elementary school music classes in Monticello, including how he helped and guided the kids who maybe had a "tin ear" or other "deficiencies". No child got left behind or teased in Mr. Sundet's classes, which was an additional beneficial lesson to us all.
Mr. Sundet also introduced us to solfeggio/solfège in elementary school, a useful musical system I didn't encounter or use again until I was studying music theory in college, and even now occasionally as a professional singer living overseas.
I didn't realize our paths were so similar, as I also attended Luther and also sang under the magnificent Weston Nobel and then attended U of IA as well.
RIP, Mr. Sundet. You are VERY fondly remembered, as both a kind and dedicated teacher and a loving husband & father (of very talented daughters!) All the best to the Sundet family, always....
Beth Jones
July 27, 2020
I worked briefly at Harrison with Mr. Sundet. More notable he was the very first music teacher to teach our daughter in her elementary years. I learned today that went to Luther, and Weston Noble was a mentor. Our daughter, his young pupil, went through Cedar Rapids schools, and then on to Luther, under the direction of Mr. Noble. Music comes to and through people in many ways....Mr. Sundet was a fun, good teacher, and kind man, with a warm way about him. Rest in peace and thanks for your talents and legacy.
Tami Stephens
July 27, 2020
The first time I met Wally was when he tuned our piano in 1997. A year later I began working at First Lutheran Church and, surprisingly, I met Wally again in his role as the church's printing press operator. He was a man of many skills, even after retirement from the schools. His humor and easy-going nature made him a quick friend. I always loved visiting with Wally (and Marie) on Sunday mornings in the narthex. Peace to you, Wally, and my condolences to you, Marie and family.
Kandy Sands
July 27, 2020
We were so sorry to hear about Mr. Sundet. He was our elementary vocal music teacher in Monticello. He had a tremendous singing voice and did a wonderful job singing in our wedding in 1974 in Monticello. When he rehearsed "The Lord's Prayer" at our wedding rehearsal his voice echoed out throughout the church and gave us all goosebumps. We were so honored to have him sing for us, his former students. Our deepest sympathy to all of his family.
Greg and Deb (Shipton) Guilford
July 27, 2020
Sorry to hear the loss of a great person and teacher. My daughters had so much fun learning from him. He made music so enjoyable. Their favorite was I Am A Pizza. Working with Wally and Rick was the highlight of my years at Harrison.
Cindy Salat
July 27, 2020
Trond and I was so sorry to learn about the death of "Wally". We really enjoed staying in their home in 2008 and 2010. we were related through distant relatives from Sundet farm in Norway. So sorry for your loss.
Anne Marie Steenberg Jonassen
July 27, 2020
We will all miss Wally's good humor and strength. God's strength and presence be with the whole family at this time.
H. Leroy and Paula Bradway
July 27, 2020
Our days at Harrison were for the most part ordinary but it was just that that made teaching with Wally so pleasure-able. A kind and gentle soul, always willing to pitch in and do his part. Fond memories. My condolences to his family. May fond memories forever keep him in your hearts.
Sharron McElmeel
July 26, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the love of God flow through you and help your family find peace.
Shelley Norton
July 26, 2020
I knew Wally through his wonderful daughters, and lately seeing him in Decorah at Christmas at Luther. My memory is from 1976, my first year working at Ewalu with his daughter, Randi. We had a short time off on Saturdays to do laundry in Strawberry Point and then travel somewhere for the evening. One Saturday we traveled to Cedar Rapids to see Randi's talented sister, Kathy, perform in a musical. There were a lot of us, I remember. After the performance, Randi invited us to her home and we all camped out in the backyard. I was an early riser and was having a cup of coffee in the kitchen when Wally and Marie came in and surveyed the backyard full of sleeping bags. I'll never forget the look on Wally's face. I think he was thrilled we were there, but I'm not sure he knew how he was going to feed us. Wally, you will be missed. Say hi to Randi from me.
Dave Kittleson
July 26, 2020