Mary G. (Gundlach) Wunsch

Mary G. (Gundlach) Wunsch

Jan 19, 1952 – Mar 16, 2017

Mary Gayle Gundlach Wunsch, age 65, of Omaha, NE, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2017 surrounded by loved ones at home. Mary was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa on January 19, 1952. She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School and received a degree in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Coe College.

Music played a vital part in Mary’s life; while singing in Nebraska Choral Arts, she met her future husband, James S. Wunsch.  They married on August 19, 1983 and were married for 34 years. Mary’s musical life involved singing with choirs Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum and the Voices of Omaha, as well as the church choirs of First Presbyterian and First Central UCC, where she directed the children’s choir. She played Celtic Harp and sang at many wedding and funeral ceremonies.

Mary taught music in the Davenport Public Schools for two years before deciding to pursue pre-med studies and work as a respiratory therapist at Clarkson Hospital and University of Nebraska Medical Center. However, family was her priority, and when her first daughter was born, she elected to stay home with her children. Later, she returned to work as a teacher at St. Paul United Methodist Church Preschool. A natural teacher, Mary shared her music with the children and wrote numerous songs for them over her 17 years of teaching.

Mary was a joyous person who loved her family deeply.  She was a loving wife, devoted mother, and fiercely loyal friend. Throughout her many years teaching, Mary’s warmth and enthusiasm helped shape the lives of hundreds of students. Her sense of humor was boundless, her laugh was contagious, and she filled every room with her presence and charisma. Mary loved camping, fishing, hiking, sailing, cross-country skiing, and exploring, and her favorite place on earth was the family cabin on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Mary was preceded in death by her father, Harry F. Gundlach. She is survived by her husband, James S. Wunsch; daughters: Kathryn K. Bolay, Hallie B. Kamesch, and Hannah W. Ryan; sons-in-law, Nathan C. Bolay, Shawn S. Kamesch, and Peter D. Ryan; grandsons: William G. and Colin C. Bolay, and Sebastian J. Kamesch; mother, Mary L. Gundlach; brother, Matthew F. Gundlach; dear friend, Lynn Lewis.

Please join us in celebrating Mary’s life. VISITATION will be held on Friday, April 14th from 5pm to 7pm at the Bel Air Chapel, followed by a time of sharing. MEMORIAL SERVICE Saturday, April 15th at 10:30am at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3416 Woolworth Ave. in Omaha. Memorials will be directed by the family.

 

1 Condolence

  • Vicki and Dennis Smith Posted March 23, 2017 10:37 am

    Dennis and I were so saddened to learn of Mary Gayle’s passing and know what a terrible loss this is for the Gundlach and Wunsch families. Blessings on you all as you mourn the loss of your lovely daughter, wife, mother and sister.

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