Virgil A. Wunder, 92, a life long resident of Baker City, died Monday, December 27, 2004 at the Boise Veterans Hospital in Boise, Idaho. Funeral services for Mr. Wunder were held Monday, January 3, 2005 at 10 a.m. in the Coles Funeral Home. Canyon City Masonic Lodge No. 34 accorded ritualistic rites and military rites were accorded by Baker City Amvets Post No.1874. Vault interment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Mr. Wunder was born in Baker City, Oregon, January 8, 1912, a son of Albert and Lois (Nichols) Wunder. He received his education in Baker City and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp serving in a bomber group. He was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart. After being discharged, he retuned to Baker City.
He worked for the Baker Creamery, Stoddard Lumber Co., and then worked for several theaters, he spent 40 plus years at the Eltrym theater. He retired in 1996. Mr. Wunder enjoyed blacksmithing at his home and had a love for mining, it was his favorite hobby. He also enjoyed hunting, shooting his last elk at the age of 82.
He was a member of the Eastern Oregon Mining Association, Life Member of the National Rifle Association, and had been very active with the Masonic Lodge in Baker City, OR and was a member of the Scottish Rite. He helped with the rebuilding of the Mine at the Interpretive Center and also helped with the park in Haines, OR.
He is survived by his nephews and nieces; Edward and Len Powell; Shirley and Mitch Sanchotena; Linda and Wayne Wall; Ray and Gwen Wunder; Lela and Harold Bell; Alta and David Fales; Alvena and David McGill; sister-in-law and her husband, Rachel and Herman Webb, Baker City: he is also survived by cousins. His parents, two sisters and two brothers preceded him in death.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions in his memory may direct them to the Disabled American Veterans Van Fund, this maybe done through the Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St. Baker city, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: The Record Courier, Baker City, Oregon, January, 2005
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor