Thomas Arthur "Sam" Wunder Sr.

Senior Chief, US Navy Ret, Thomas "Sam" Arthur Wunder Sr, 79, passed away on November 18, 2024. Born in Harlan, IA, and living in Anamosa, IA until joining the US Navy. His naval adventures stationed him and his family in Honolulu, Hawaii; Chicago, Illinois; Kittery, Maine, and Charleston, SC. Retiring from the Navy in Charleston, SC he later moved and eventually retired from Civil Service to Smithfield, VA until his death. Serving in the US Navy Submarine Service for 22 years until he retired in 1986, he then worked as an instructor of Nuclear Propulsion with Civil Service at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, until retiring again in 2007. He was a member of the American Legion Post #25 in Newport News and was 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 17335 in Smithfield. Tom was preceded in death by his son, Thomas A. Wunder Jr.; and brothers, Fr. Louis Wunder and Jim Wunder, both of Anamosa, IA. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joyce L. Wunder; children, Joseph C. Wunder (Kelly) and Angela M. Turner (Danny); siblings, Mary Norton of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Bill Wunder Jr. of Iowa City, Iowa, Beverly Wunder (wife of Jim Wunder) of Anamosa, IA, and John Wunder (Judy) of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren, Grayson Turner, Blake Wunder and Lilly Wunder; and nieces and nephews. A hard worker in his life, he played equally hard. He was known to host celebrations and enjoy life to its fullest. His passion in life was creating savory masterpieces for family and friends to enjoy together, where his greatest creation, yeast rolls, was a highlight yearly during holidays. Tom was a devout servant of God and was humble when serving his community and supporting those individuals in need. His last words on earth while fighting cancer for over five years were ensuring those around him were comfortable and had a refreshment â€" the ultimate host. He was not one to tell others how to be kind and respectful for all walks of life, but would show by example. We are all children of God and deserve to be treated equally with respect and care. The family received friends Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 100 Harpersville Rd. in Newport News. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Dan Beeman. Interment with Military Honors will be in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veteran's Cemetery in Suffolk, December 17, 2024 at 1 p.m. Recording of the funeral mass and interment will be available online: https://www.rhaydensmith.com/obituary/thomas-wunder. The family wishes expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the Tunnel for Towers Foundation at T2T.org or a charity of your choice.