Donald Gene Wunderlich Sr.

Donald Gene Wunderlich Sr., 87, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, died Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He passed peacefully in his sleep, with family at his side. He was born May 28, 1938, in New Wells, Missouri, to Hugo Paul and Evelyn Katherine (Torrence) Wunderlich. He and Doris Briggs Wunderlich were married April 1, 1960, in Basel, Switzerland. She preceded him in death in July 2022. Survivors include his daughter, Gigi Ingrid (Ron) Haston of Altenburg, Missouri; and six grandchildren: Anthony Wunderlich of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Ashley (Ray) Bucher of Jackson, Missouri; Amanda (Bryson) Grieme of Agency, Missouri; Austin (Andrea) Wunderlich of Hartland, Wisconsin; Alexis (Levi) Hawkins of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; and Allison Wunderlich of Savannah, Missouri; and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his best friend and caregiver, Carolyn Little of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He is also survived by his brother, Darrel (Charlotte) Wunderlich of Gilbertsville, Kentucky; and sisters‑in‑law Glenda Wunderlich of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Judith Wunderlich of Burfordville, Missouri. He proudly served five years in the United States Marine Corps. After his service, he worked briefly for a milk company in Maryland before beginning a long career with GTE. He started as a lineman and, through dedication and hard work, advanced into technical and later management roles. He and his wife spent many years on their farm in Whitewater, where he developed an interest in beekeeping. He later founded the Whitewater Honey Company with his younger brother, Kenny. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. He enjoyed golfing, bass fishing, gardening, and beekeeping. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great‑grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his son, Donald Gene Wunderlich Jr.; his grandson, Adam Lee Hugo Wunderlich; three brothers, Robert Wunderlich, Jim Wunderlich, and Kenny Wunderlich; and two sisters, Mildred Overbeck and Cathy Clippard. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church, with Rev. Weston Wildauer officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The family asks that you consider making a contribution to a charity of your choosing in his memory. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

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Donald Gene Wunderlich Sr.

May 28, 1938 - May 17, 2026