Dr. Gene Carroll Wunder, Ph.D.

Dr. Gene Carroll Wunder, Ph.D.February 11, 1939 — September 25, 2025

Gene Carroll Wunder joined his wife Judy (Stone) Wunder in eternity as he passed away on September 25th, 2025 in Sun City Center, Florida. 

Judy and Gene were united in marriage on December 16, 1966, at First Methodist Church in Iowa City, Iowa. Their loving partnership spanned nearly 55 years until Judy’s passing in September 2021.

Gene is survived by his daughters, Lara Wunder and Sara Wunder Steward; his son-in-law, Spencer Steward; and three grandsons, Nicholas, Tyler, and Charles Steward, all of Tampa, Florida. He is also survived by his brother, Earl (Barbara) Wunder of Cottonwood, Arizona; his sister-in-law, Mary Ann (Ray) Wunder of Wetumpka, Oklahoma; and a many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Alice Wunder of Dysart, Iowa; his brother, Ray Wunder of Wetumpka, Oklahoma; and his sister, Ruth (David) Wunder Williams of Bentonville, Arkansas.

Gene was born on February 11, 1939, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Lloyd and Alice (Reed) Wunder. He graduated from Dysart High School as part of the Class of 1957. A lifelong learner, Gene earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1969, followed by an MBA from the University of Missouri in 1971, and ultimately a PhD from the University of Arkansas in 1986.

Gene dedicated more than two decades to higher education. He believed deeply in its power to uplift, empower, and inspire growth in others. He held faculty positions at Truman State University (formerly Northeast Missouri State University) in Kirksville, Missouri; Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana; and Columbus State University (formerly Columbus College) in Georgia. His academic journey culminated at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, where he served both as Associate Dean and a valued member of the faculty, before retiring in 2009.

Gene and his beloved wife, Judy, shared a passion for travel and explored many corners of the world together. Gene dedicated many years to community service as a proud member of the Lions Club and the Freemasons. His commitment to helping others extended to weekly volunteer work at the St. Andrews United Methodist Church food pantry in Brandon. After relocating to Sun City Center, Florida in 2022 to be closer to his family, Gene found joy in dancing at Sun City dance clubs.

Gene was an adoring husband, a devoted father, and a deeply caring “Papa.” His presence, wisdom, and love will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. He will be laid to rest alongside his beloved Judy in Marshalltown, Iowa, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions in his name to the Washburn University Endowment Fund at Washburn University Foundation, 1700 SW College, Topeka, KS 66621 or Topeka Lions Club at Topeka Lions Club P.O. Box 2804, Topeka KS 66601.