W.F. "Bill" Wunderlich, Jr.
Bill Wunderlich peacefully passed away at the age of 92 on June
22, 2015 in Oak Harbor, Washington.

Bill was born April 19, 1923 in Rock Springs, Wyoming to William
and Loretta Wunderlich. His father became the first United Air
Lines manager for Elko which brought he and his brothers, Jack,
Gene and sister Charlene to Elko.

After graduating from Elko High School, Bill entered the Army
Air Corps and became a B17 pilot. During World War II Bill was
shot down two times and was a Prisoner of War each time. He was
a POW in Czechoslovakia and Italy. When asked about his POW
internments, he said "I was just doing my job for my country and
God was my co-pilot."

Upon his return to Elko, he and his future wife, Marge Hachquet,
celebrated victory and danced their way to the altar February
23, 1945. Following their marriage they were off to the
University of Colorado in Boulder City, Colorado.

After a couple years of school they decided they wanted to
return to Elko. Bill worked for Stinson Berger Furniture
Company which he eventually purchased. Years later he sold the
furniture store to try a new adventure and established
Wunderlich Insurance Agency. He sold New York Life Insurance
and AFLAC Insurance for over 35 years. He loved the insurance
business knowing he was able to help people.

Bill so loved the people of Elko that he became deeply involved
in the community. In 1953 he was President of the Jaycee's and
helped start the Elko Stampede / Rodeo. His care and
contributions for Elko continued for over 60 years. He was very
much involved with the Republican Party, Elko Fair Races, and
Cowboy Poetry. His passion for flying also helped create the
Elko Air Races. He was a co-founder and helped establish Great
Basin College. He helped in the building of St. Joseph's
Catholic Church, the Northeastern Nevada Museum, the Basque
Museum and Club House, the Convention Center, baseball fields
and many more projects which have enriched the community.

His dedication to the homeless and to the community of Elko was
done without fanfare. He dedicated his life to helping others.

In August of 2000, Bill and Marge moved to Oak Harbor,
Washington to be near their daughter and family. Bill loved the
beauty of the Northwest and always enjoyed smoking his cigar
over looking the waters of the Puget Sound from his condo balcony.
Bill is survived by his children Carol McMahon ( John) of Oak
Harbor, WA and Rob Wunderlich (Xenia) of Genoa, NV.
Grandchildren: Nicole Klages (Steve), Rich McMahon (Carrie),
Carly Adams (Mike), Dusty Wunderlich, Vanessa Wunderlich, and
Jon Wunderlich (Sylvia). Great
grandchildren: Evan and Ryan Klages, Kaylin and Erin McMahon,
McKenzie, Connor, and Kahlan Adams. His sister Charlene
Wunderlich and his "other" kids Greg Wenner, Sue Cunningham, Ann
and Patty Evans plus numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life for 69 years
Marge, two sons Willie and Ricky, his parents and siblings.

Thank you Regency on Whidbey for your wonderful, care, support
and love. Words cannot adequately express our gratitude and
appreciation. He loved you all.

A rosary will be held June 29, 2015 at Burns Funeral Home in
Elko, Nevada. Funeral services will be held June 30, 2015 at
St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Elko. A private family internment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Great Basin
College Foundation, P.O. Box 2056, Elko, Nevada 89803,
Northeastern Nevada Museum, 1515 Idaho Street, Elko Nevada
89801, or St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1035 C Street, Elko, Nevada 89801.

Arrangements were entrusted to Whidbey Memorial in Oak Harbor,
Washington and Burns Funeral Home in Elko, Nevada. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.

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