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Bill Wundram Obituary
Bill Wundram
Bill Wundram, 98, passed away peacefully in his home alongside his wife of 70 years, Helen.
Bill had been employed for 74 years by Lee Enterprises as a reporter, editor and columnist. He was a columnist seven days a week for 31 years.
Bill loved his family and his dog Molly deeply.
He also had an affection for "the word", books, newspapers, and bow ties.
He loved the circus, the Bix, convertibles, typewriters, maps, screened porches, little towns, martinis, popcorn, Hemmingway, birthdays, writing, laughter, steamboats, Lagomarcino's, Sunday afternoon drives and people.
He especially loved October skies and pumpkin pies with a dollop of whipped creme.
He is survived by his wife Helen; his children, Timothy (Anne) Wundram of Davenport, Iowa and Rebecca Wundram of Sauk City, Wisconsin; his daughter-in-law, Teri Hamerlinck (Jeff) of Davenport; his grandchildren, Christopher (Brooke) Wundram of Marion, Iowa, Ashley (Matthew) McCowan of The Woodlands, Texas, Zachary (Kelli) Wundram of Morrison, Illinois and Nicholas Wundram of Eldridge, Iowa; and five great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his son Peter Wundram.
There will be a private family funeral and a celebration of life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Friends of Vander Veer.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bill Wundram
Anita Vogel Hanson
March 9, 2025
My sister Arlene Vogel Phillips went to high school with him.
She spoke highly of him , even in her later years passing way @ 90 ,2016.
Janice F Kloss
February 10, 2025
My mom & I loved Bill and his column in the QC Times. Mom received gifts of his books on many occasions.. We met Bill a few times and I have one or two pictures with Bill & my mom. (She passed away at age 99 in Dec. 2013.) I often stated that I would love his "job". I had the privilege of getting a "tour" of his office down at the Times. It fit him to a "T". I would set up an office just like it. Bill was a great writer and an all around "good guy". When I drive by his big house on River Drive I think of him and imagine the fun and laughter that went on in that beautiful home. To Bill's wife & family: I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you with: Peace, Comfort. Joy, Wonderful Memories & Love.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Jan Kloss, Davenport
J. Lewis
May 10, 2024
I was a resident of Moline from 1986 to late 1996 and during this time consumed newspapers from both sides of the river. I began reading Mr. Wundrams columns and was instantly impressed by his writing style, succinct and crisp delivery and his ability to bring to life events and times passed. He was, as has been noted here, the chronicler of the Quad Cities, a man who was of his time but with an open mind and curiosity for the present and future. A man with a "nose" for a good story, rightfully so as he was exceptionally prolific. Even though I did not know him, after a time I felt as though I did as he most willingly shared many intimate memories with the community that others might have been too reluctant, or not talented enough to do so. I could go on and on, however, I will share a memory regarding the one and only time that the "scribe of the Quad Cities" and I crossed paths. It must have been 1995 or 1996 near Christmas and I was out at South Park Mall shopping for gifts on a quiet week night. I passed one of the department stores, looked to my left and there was Mr. Wundram sitting at a card table with a stack of his recently released hard back compilation of his columns. I was a bit shocked but mustered up the gumption to approach him, bought a copy and asked him to autograph it for my aunts in Indiana who were in their 90's at that time. He most graciously did so and during our back and forth I complimented him on his work and conveyed that I thought he was "a very good writer." At that he perked up considerably and indicated to me what a special compliment that was. "Being a well known columnist", he told me, "was one thing, but being regarded (even by a stranger) as "a good writer" made him proud in a way that was much more important to his understanding of himself." I shook his hand and left the store, with the book that my aunts Esther and Antoinette came to enjoy. Eventually I left the Quad Cities one late, dark and cold December evening when my life's direction took me to Dayton, Ohio. It was not my choice, as circumstances intervened, but in retrospect it turned out to be the right (if difficult) option. When I decided today that I would "check" on Mr. Wundram after all of these years, I did so holding my breath as instinctively I knew that he was no longer physically, but will always be spiritually, a part of the Quad Cities. So, Godspeed my friend, even though I myself have been "gone" from the QCA since 1996, a part of me will always be a Quad Citian. Thanks for sharing your talents with myself and so many others. Mr. Bill Wundram, a man of letters you are, were and will always be.
Gina Swaim Greene
February 11, 2024
Thinking of you all- We remember the wonderful gifts of those that have gone before us and how they touched and shaped our lives. Mr. Wundram had so many gifts and a boundless energy that he shared with the children in the neighborhood. A neighborhood that had a parade for the 4th of July, an Easter egg hunt and surrounded you with a safe place to play. What a beautiful gift. Thank you.
Libby Whitmore
February 26, 2023
Helen: My mom and dad, Karen and Bob Weerts, who now live in Denver, CO, want to express their condolences to you and your family. They have many fond memories of your friendship and Bill's wonderful sense of humor.
Gina Swaim Greene
February 25, 2023
I was looking for Becky today and what should appear but your Dad´s recent obituary. What wonderful memories of growing up as a crew of kids on Grant Street. We were often led by the bugle of your ever joy filled Dad. Celebrating a very special man with you today. Love and hugs. Gina Swaim Greene
Bill Gluba
February 24, 2023
Upon my return to Davenport from an out-of-state trip, I am so saddened to read of Bill's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Helen, and to the family.
The many heartfelt adjectives describing Bill are so appropriate. To mention a few: beloved, kind, friendly, funny, gentle, gifted, amazing, a legend, icon, treasure, talented, skilled reporter, prolific columnist, gifted storyteller, scholar, idea man, ring master, cheerleader, enthusiastic, charismatic, boundless, one-of-a-kind, loving, irreplaceable -- all so true! The outpouring of tributes about Bill must have set some kind of record.
And, as Bill often wrote, "Is anybody out there? Does anybody care?" My answer is YES, Bill, and we all loved you and we'll all greatly miss you.
God bless my friend and may your soul rest in peace.
Hizzoner, Mayor Bill Gluba
Ron Haines
February 23, 2023
What a great chronicler of people and what a great life he led doing what he enjoyed. I worked with him when I was an editor at the paper in the 1970's and touched base when him again in 2003 when he dispatched a reporter to interview me on my solo canoe trip down the Mississippi River. He will be missed.
Sherry Jones
February 22, 2023
What an amazing life to celebrate!
Peace and comfort to his family with gratitude for sharing him with many readers and fans.
Patricia Gunther
February 21, 2023
Helen. So sorry to learn of Bill´s passing. Bill certainly was gifted with a wonderful style to be cherished. Sending prayers.
Valeri DeCastris
February 18, 2023
The world has lost a true legend, an icon of journalism, a renaissance man. Although I never met Bill, I read his columns and lived in the Quad cities in the 1960s. He penned a beautiful column on my father, Val, Eddy, a professional musician who performed with Homer Carlson for years at the renowned Plantation restaurant in Moline. I will always be forever grateful for that column. Bill said that my father was the second best tenor banjo player in the world and was so complementary. He loved the Plantations. And thanks to him and others, have the wonderful Bix festival. I am so glad that the Quad cities has honored him in the way that they have. May he rest in peace. Thank you to my friend Pete Ellertson from Springfield for letting me know that Bill has left us. They surely don´t make them like him anymore.
Beth Clark
February 18, 2023
My deepest sympathy to Helen and the Wundram family. Bill was the icon and ambassador of the Quad Cities. He was a great storyteller who loved his community fiercely. Thanks for all of your great stories Bill. Thanks for making us laugh and cry and getting to know each other better. God´s peace.
Brenda Mohr, aka "Grannygrams"
February 18, 2023
Congratulations on a wonderful journey, Bill, and for taking the rest of us along for the ride. Please say "Hi" to Joe Whitty for us! I imagine the two of you playing with one of his train sets in heaven-- him at the controls and you atop the engine; both you in conductor hats. Roll on! Whoo! Hoo! God Bless and All the Rest.
Becky Bjork
February 17, 2023
My condolences to Helen and your family. I have wonderful memories of working with Bill at the QCT and reading his columns every day in the 1990´s. At one event he danced with my 4 year old daughter, with her little feet on his. I also think of him whenever I see tall phlox.
Julie, Jewels
February 17, 2023
So Sorry for your loss Helen. He was such a great man from the quad city times to Riefes. He will be missed. He just loved our Frog legs lol. To soup on the lap.RIP MR Wundram. Your favorite waitress Jewels
Janice F Kloss
February 16, 2023
I enjoyed very much Bill's columns. I would occasionally send them to my sister in SC as she enjoyed him also. My mom had her picture taken with him on a few occasions as she had a big crush on him. She had received a few books by Bill; one of them at least, was autographed. Mom passed at age 99 in 2013, so I have the books and I enjoy reading them. I always said Bill had the best "job" in the world. My sympathy to Helen and their family.
Ann Hanson
February 16, 2023
RIP Bill.
No one will ever fill your shoes and if you could write a story now would be your wish. What-a story it would be. I smile thinking about you clowning around it was so awesome! Such a legacy......... Enjoy eternity......
Suzy VenHorst
February 16, 2023
A life well lived. Bill shared his insights with all of us. Grateful he loved all of us so. My favorite saying.... Those we love, live in our hearts, Forever!!!!!!
Paula askelson
February 16, 2023
I loved his column and looked forward to reading it for many years. When he published the day trip book, I think I visited every place and lined it to friends. Still have it!
Condolences to the family.
Diana Cook
February 15, 2023
I always enjoyed reading Bill´s news lines mostly about the community and the people in the community. Also enjoyed working with him on the Festival of Trees and seeing him at church. What a kind man and I have missed him since he retired years ago.
DOUG ACHORPP
February 15, 2023
I worked with Bill for 27 years and like so many, loved him. He was one of a kind and was saddened to hear of his passing. I enjoyed our many chats and his constant encouragement
Barbara S Dinning -Olson
February 15, 2023
So sorry for your loss. My mother was a big fan of Bill, My mother was Janet Dinning.
Joe McCormick
February 15, 2023
I was one of the many people who bought the excellently crafted "noospaper", The Quad City Times; with it's blue ink header; specificly for Bill's column; among other features. He seemed the foremost historian of the Quad City area; and an excellent story teller as well. Thank you much for your gift of writing; rest in peace dear Chronicler of the times.. and Times
Bill Degen
February 15, 2023
It has been my pleasure for me to a friend, a mentor (at the Times), a role model and an avid reader of his columns since I was a child. May you rest in peace and may your family be consoled with the feeling that he "fought the good fight and kept the faith" and share that faith with everyone he encountered. Well done, good and faithful servqawnt!
Dave MAslowski
February 15, 2023
Met Bill Wundram through his son Tim, when Tim and I were at Bettendorf High School. Bill Wundram always had a smile, a story to tell, and shared his laughter for all to enjoy. A legend indeed has passed our way. We are all better because of Bill Wundram. Heaven will now be the beneficiary, but we will have the memories. Cross that River Mr. Wundram. There's a new venture waiting for you.
Sandy Moeller
February 15, 2023
Mr. Bill was such a blessing to many! Such a gentleman an caring person. Loved his writings and books. We shall enjoy for years. Only met him at random event so mainly a fan. Our condolences to his family and all the special people who shared his world. We did not know him personally. Peace and hugs to you all.
Trudy Sitrick
February 15, 2023
On behalf of the Sitrick family, we send our heartfelt condolences. Our Mom, Bev, along with Bisch, were such dear friends with Bill and Helen.
Deepest sympathy to Bill´s family.
Pam Nye
February 15, 2023
I worked with Bill for 26 years and never tired of his stories. He was one of the most wonderful men who have been in my life. He wrote the most beautiful article when my son passed away which happened to be on Bill's birthday. I will never forget him. Condolences to Helen and his family.
Sherri Endresak Klasi
February 15, 2023
It was a pleasure working with Bill at the QCT. He was so knowledgeable about so many topics. Definitely a one of a kind person. Wherever I saw Bill he always came up to me and had a conversation. May your stories forever live on. You will never be forgotten but you will be missed. RIP Bill
Lesa Evans
February 15, 2023
Thank you for all you creative writings...our whole family enjoyed them for years....
Deb Heiserman
February 15, 2023
The world is less beautiful today with the passing of Mr. Wundram. He most certainly touched many lives with his love of the written word. His talent enabled me to experience life that otherwise would have been inaccessible to me. I grew up reading his columns and was better for it. I believe with all that I am that Mr. Wundram is already investigating his new and well deserved Heavenly home. May he remain close to your heart till you meet him again. Love never dies.
Karl Schafer-Junger
February 15, 2023
On behalf of my parents - Anneliese and Werner Schafer-Junger (deceased) - I send condolences. I was at quite a few parties, as a little boy, with Bill and Shirley Davis. He was a nice kind man with wonderful writing skills - he truly chronicled the QC in a marvelous way. I have not lived there since 1975 but - with the internet - read his columns well after I had left town. Blessings.
Dixie Korch
February 15, 2023
Thank you for all you wrote and shared. I had the pleasure of meeting you. And it WAS TRULY a pleasure. Deepest sympathies to all your family.
Al McCaulley & Linnea Thompson
February 15, 2023
Thank you for sharing your words, your smile, your laughter and for making this world better because you were in it. Deepest sympathy to Bill's beloved family.
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