Thomas J. “T.J.” Wunder

Thomas J. “T.J.” Wunder, age 53, of Waterloo, IA, formerly of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey suddenly on January 29, 2025, at home.  To honor Tom’s life, a memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1425 Iowa Street in Dubuque, with Rev. Dennis Quint officiating. Family and friends are invited to join in fellowship for one hour prior to the service at the church.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Tom’s family.

Tom was born on June 26, 1971, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Thomas G. and Mary Jane (Boge) Wunder.  He has spent his recent years working with the Waterloo Warehousing and Service Company and valued the many opportunities and friends he has made along the way.  Tom took great pride in all that he did and when it came to work, there was no exception.  In his free-time, Tom as an avid hunter and fisherman.  From an early age, he gained the necessary skills to acquire five trophy mounts throughout the years with his dad and brother always by his side.  In recent years, Tom has become an accomplished bow hunter as well and always enjoyed the camaraderie of the hunting group that is currently in its 55^th year together. 

As with many of us, life has not always been easy for Tom.  His fair share of trials and tribulations have surely made their way into his life, but truth be told, Tom became a better man on the other side of them all.  He eventually found his way in the world, developed a positive path to walk upon, and never looked back.  Making the difficult decisions daily was where Tom found true satisfaction and purpose.  It’s beyond tragic to have to say farewell for now to our dear father, son, brother, and uncle, but if there’s to be any peace for our hearts to lean into, it is the fact that Tom now knows all things.  He has met his Creator firsthand and in person and currently resides in eternal peace only waiting for us to join him in time.  Thank you, Tom, for reminding us all that life is not always an easy journey to navigate, but it is definitely a worthwhile one to learn and gain real joy through once we realize that each one of us must make his own way and we do not have to do it alone.  May the Lord bless and keep you safe in His loving arms Tom and may you rest in peace son; may you truly rest in peace today!

Those left to cherish the memory of Tom include,

his two children,

Sasha Ginter, Waterloo, IA,

and Jacob Ginter, Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren;

his girlfriend,

Nicole Schmitz, Waterloo, IA;

his parents,

Tom (Mary Jane) Wunder, Dubuque, IA;

his siblings,

Ray Wunder, Dubuque, IA,

Kelly Hayes, Dubuque, IA,

and Beverly (John) Chase, Iowa City, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Tom was preceded in death by his grandparents; and his brother-in-law, Jeff Hayes.

In lieu of flowers, a Thomas J. Wunder memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be shared with Tom’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com