Community Mourns Loss of Emily Gunderson Achterberg at 33

Emily Gunderson Achterberg, a vibrant member of the Jamestown community, passed away on September 16, 2025, at the age of 33. Her journey was marked by resilience as she faced chronic illness, enduring years of dialysis and numerous painful procedures. Despite these challenges, she lived life to the fullest, impacting those around her with her positivity and strength.

Born on March 13, 1992, in Minot, North Dakota, Emily was the daughter of Troy and Sheri Gunderson. She developed a close bond with her husband, Jacob Achterberg, whom she met as a teenager at the Ronald McDonald House near Mayo Clinic. Their friendship blossomed into a deep love, culminating in their marriage in Arizona on March 26, 2019.

Emily’s academic achievements included a degree in communications with a minor in psychology from Dickinson State University. She held various positions in Dickinson, Jamestown, and Arizona, with a particular passion for non-profit work in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and her most recent role in Fargo, North Dakota. Throughout her career, she excelled in fostering relationships and supporting her community.

Celebrating Her Life and Legacy

Emily’s impact extended beyond her professional life. She is survived by her husband, their dog Roo, her parents, and her siblings. She leaves behind her sister Natalie Dvirnak and her family, her brother Parker Gunderson and his children, as well as her brother Uriah Gunderson. Emily was preceded in death by her grandmother Evelyn Gunderson but is survived by her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many cousins.

A prayer service will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 18:00 at Temple Baptist Church, with a viewing one hour prior. A celebration of Emily’s life will take place the following day at 10:00, also at the church. A graveside service at Highland Home Cemetery will immediately follow the funeral, after which a lunch will be served back at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to assist with expenses or donations to the Ronald McDonald House in Fargo, North Dakota, which can be made through their website at https://rmhcfargo.org/donate/.

The Gunderson family expresses deep gratitude to the community of Jamestown, their faith community, and Emily’s friends for their unwavering support throughout the years. As they navigate this profound loss, they remember Emily for her spirit, kindness, and the lasting influence she had on all who knew her.