Katelyn Thyssen-Gunderson Memorial Service Video

Katelyn Jean Thyssen-Gunderson, age 17 of New London, passed away at Children's Hospital in Milwaukee on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from complications of leukemia.  Katelyn was born on March 9, 2007 to Jackie Cartwright and David Gunderson and a year later gained her "bonus dad", Scott Cartwright.  Katelyn was a graduate of New London High School.  She loved dogs and caring for all animals.  Katelyn was a country girl at heart and enjoyed attending country music concerts.  Kids adored her and always wanted to be around her.  Katelyn was a force to be reckoned with and a powerful voice for those who were bullied. She felt that everyone should be treated equally. She was an officer in the BEST Club and also Sources of Strength.  Katelyn loved doing crafts and taking day trips.  She helped organize and run an old fashioned candy store at the Union Thresheree and Old Car Show in Symco. Her other interests included highlander cows, sunflowers, her cat, Peanut and her dogs, Boo and Bandit, along with hiking to find beautiful waterfalls. In the summer Katelyn would love going camping and swimming, but truly looked forward to their family trips to Wisconsin Dells every summer break and for her birthday.  She also collected rubber duck of all shapes and sizes – she had over 800!

Katelyn is survived by her parents, Jackie and Scott Cartwright, siblings, Josh (Stephanie) Gunderson, Paul (Haley) Cartwright, Chad (Kaitlynn Bentle) Sager and Kelli Sager; nephews, Cole and Cameron; God daughter, Norah; her neighbor and friend, Pheonix and her God parents, Michele VandenHeuvel, Tori Pethke and Quinton Griffin. Katelyn is further survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Katelyn was preceded in death by her father, David Gunderson; her maternal grandparents, Jack and Audrey Thyssen, paternal grandfather, Russell Cartwright and paternal grandmother, Marie Gunderson; friends, Abbey Hoier, Hannah and Parker and her treatment buddy, Mariya.

The Funeral Service for Katelyn will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in New London with Rev. Steve Savides and Rev. Kevin Dembinski officiating.  The visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Burial will be at New Maple Creek Cemetery, Town of Maple Creek at a later date.

Katelyn's family wishes to thank the medical staff of Children's Hospital, ICU, oncology, hematology and the Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee for all the love, support and hard work. Additionally, her family wishes to thank the New London community for all of the events held in Katelyn's honor and also Norma Ortiz for helping the family through Katelyn's transition the last few hours.

Katelyn left her spirited impact on so many, who will deeply miss her!