Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Wunder Obituary
John R. Wunder
January 7, 1945 - June 25, 2023
John Remley Wunder passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
He was born on January 7, 1945, in Vinton, Iowa, grew up in Dysart, Iowa and then went to the University of Iowa (BA, MA, JD) and the University of Washington (PhD).
His career as a professor of history included being on the faculty at Case Western Reserve University, Texas Tech University, Clemson University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He came to UNL in 1988 to serve as the Director of the Center for Great Plains Studies and Professor of History.
John's academic interests were extremely broad, ranging from the American West and Native American history to the history of Nebraska and the development of six-man football. He authored 22 books and numerous articles and essays. At each academic institution John developed and taught new courses and seminars for undergraduate and graduate students. He took particular delight in the accomplishments and careers of his former students.
His special honors and recognitions included being named the Bicentennial Chair at the University of Helsinki, President of the Western History Association, President of the Mari Sandoz Society, and the recipient of the 2021 Sower Award in the Humanities from Humanities Nebraska.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Mary Wunder.
He is survived by Susan (his wife of 53 years), daughters Nell and Amanda, son-in-law Shamus Adams, and beloved grandson Anders Wunder Adams.
A gathering to remember John will be held early in the fall semester.
Memorials are suggested to the Chief Standing Bear Journey for Justice Scholarship Fund at https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/standingbear/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Wunder
4 Entries
Tracy Fuehrer
August 9, 2023
I attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney with Nell and remember meeting John a couple of times. Nell, I send my deepest condolences to you and your family on
loss of your father.
John Comer
July 14, 2023
I met John when he knocked on my door in Oldfather Hall and asked based on an article of mine on the Nebraska Unicameral that he read if I would allow my name to be presented for consideration as a Fellow of the Center for Great Plains Studies. I said I would and our friendship began. That was in 1973.
Liz Grobsmith
July 6, 2023
Hi Susan, I was so sorry to hear this very sad news. Hope you are managing all the icky things that goes with such a loss. Please do let me know when the memorial will be; I´d like to be there. My love to you. Liz
Cynthia Willis Esqueda
July 5, 2023
John Wunder was a brilliant scholar and academic. His work on indigenous issues was superior. He was kind and generous to me as a young scholar, and he was truly light in a dark land for me. I will always honor his memory. To his family, I send my deepest sympathies.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in John Wunder's name
Memorial Events
for John Wunder
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Wunder's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
