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Emeritus faculty member Charles Lunder dies

By David Gonnerman '90
August 20, 2012

Professor Emeritus of Physical Education Chuck Lunder, 98, died August 19 at the Care Center of the Northfield Retirement Community in Northfield.

"Coach Lunder helped to mold the foundation of the Recreation, Exercise Science, and Athletics Program at St. Olaf," says Matt McDonald, director of athletics and head baseball coach. "He was a kind, encouraging, positive force for everyone he encountered in the St. Olaf community, including thousands of students."

Lunder taught and coached at St. Olaf for 25 years before retiring in 1977. He was head coach of wrestling, men's tennis, and baseball, and assisted with men's basketball and football. These teams won a combined 14 conference championships during his career, and his 1972 wrestlers won the Midwest Conference title. In 1982 Lunder was inducted into the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame.

A graduate of Carleton College (where he helped his football team beat St. Olaf to capture three annual "Goat" trophies), Lunder was a member of the St. Olaf and Carleton athletic halls of fame.

Services will be held Thursday, August 23, at 2 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Northfield. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Read Lunder's obituary.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.