Jean Frances (Langin) Wunder

Jean Frances (Langin) Wunder

Apr 14, 1924 – Dec 18, 2017

Jean Frances (Langin) Wunder, 93, formerly of Avoca and Harlan, Iowa, Bloomington, Illinois, and most recently of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on December 18, 2017.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert Wunder.  She is survived by her children: Dr. Stephen (Carol Foster) Wunder, Brian (Charna) Wunder, Mary (Rodrigo) Lopez, Dennis (Susy) Wunder, Ellen (Kevin Garcia) Wunder, and Mark (Marilyn) Wunder; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

Fran was born in Neola, Iowa on April 14, 1924, the fourth of five children of Harry and Margaret Langin. After high school, she attended the University of Iowa but left the university during World War II to aid in the defense of her country by joining the US Navy where she served as an anti-aircraft gunnery instructor. Her Navy service had a positive and life-long effect on her by giving her a lasting sense of self-confidence and a belief in what women could accomplish.

On June 26, 1947 she and Bob were married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Neola, Iowa, a union that was to last 53 years until his death in 2000. Being Bob’s partner and raising a family of six children was the center of her life to which she brought limitless energy and love. In this she will be especially missed by her family.   An avid reader, she consumed everything from medieval history, to theology, to how-to books on doll houses (of which she built and furnished several).

The family will receive friends on Thursday, Dec. 21st from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm.  VISITATION on Friday, Dec. 22nd from 9am to 10am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 14330 Eagle Run Drive, followed by MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 10am.  GRAVESIDE SERVICE Friday at 1pm at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca, IA with military honors.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Durham Museum or Avoca Public Library in Avoca, IA.

3 Comments

  • Judy Leslie Willoughby Posted December 20, 2017 3:17 pm

    Of course I knew Fran as Steve’s Mom while we were growing up, but the Fran I really enjoyed was when I was older. I’d see her at church in Avoca and other places around town. She always had that twinkle in her eye. I loved to hear her wonderful laugh. She was a special lady, was so good to our Mom, and had a wonderful way of making it seem she was glad to see you. My condolences to all of you. God Bless. Judy Leslie Willoughby

  • Frances Janis Posted December 21, 2017 9:45 pm

    Aunt Frannie, you will definitely be missed. You were one in a million and I know you are happier up in heaven with Uncle Bob and mom, Leila, Harry and Jimmy. Thinking of you tonight and remembering our last visit….till we meet again….

  • Todd Van Beck Posted January 11, 2018 6:00 pm

    My brother called to tell me that Franny had died. It is happening more and more that the significant people in my youth in Avoca are passing away one by one. I was a chum of Brian’s in school from the beginning to the end. I used to play Santa Claus at the Wunder home out on the Flat, and had some very interesting experiences dancing around the living room and having most of the young Wunder children going crazy. I am sitting in my office in Nashville right now and my brain is flooded with such happy and fond memories of the entire Wunder family. Todd W. Van Beck

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