Marge Wunderlich peacefully passed away at the age of 91 years old on June 30, 2014 in Oak Harbor, Wash.
Marge was born March 6, 1923 in Wellington, Nev., to Nazareth and Veronica Hachquet.
She spent her early life in the Carson/Lake Tahoe area with her siblings, Pauline, Isy, Adele, Ernie, Albert and Helen, living a traditional Basque family life.
In her early teen years, her family moved to Elko, Nev., which would become her home for more than 65 years.
Marge graduated from Elko High School. It is there that she met her future husband, Bill Wunderlich.
After World War II ended, the two of them danced their way to the altar Feb. 23, 1945. As they both say, “69 blessed years of love.”
In August 2000, Marge and Bill moved to Oak Harbor to be close to their daughter and her family. Marge truly enjoyed the beauty of the Northwest and the view of the Puget Sound waters from their condo.
Marge was a person who loved life and people. She was instrumental in starting the Elko Junior Golf Program, which benefits many young golfers.
She loved gardening. Their yard in Elko was the site of many receptions and family and friend gatherings, which she proudly hosted.
Marge was also “Mom” to numerous kids, both young and old. She helped each one with guidance, honesty and unconditional love.
Marge was a loving wife of 69 years, a devoted mother to her children, both biological and “adopted.”
The words “loving, understanding and giving” were Marge. She was full of life.
She listened, she cared, she loved and, most of all, she filled you with laughter.
Her rosary was said everyday for all. She was so proud of her Basque heritage. She was a true Basco.
Marge is survived by her husband, Bill; children, Carol McMahon (John) of Oak Harbor, and Rob Wunderlich (Xenia) of Genoa, Nev.; grandchildren, Nicole Klages (Steve), Rich McMahon (Carrie), Carley Adams (Mike), Dusty Wunderlich, Vanessa Wunderlich and Jon Wunderlich (Sylvia); great-grandchildren, Evan and Ryan Klages, Kaylin and Erin McMahon, and McKenzie, Connor and Kahlan Adams; her brother, Albert Hachquet; “her other kids,” Greg Wenner, Sue Cunningham, Ann Evans and Patty Evans; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her two sons, Willie and Ricky, her parents, and siblings.
Thank you, Regency on Whidbey, for your wonderful care, support and love. Words cannot adequately express our gratitude and appreciation.
A rosary will be held 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 7, 2014 at Burns Funeral Home in Elko, Nev. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Elko.
A private family internment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Great Basin College Foundation, P.O. Box 2056, Elko, NV 89803; Northeastern Nevada Museum, 1515 Idaho St., Elko, NV; or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1035 C St., Elko, NV 89801.
Arrangements were entrusted to Whidbey Memorial in Oak Harbor, and Burns Funeral Home in Elko.
Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com
