Bill Wunderlich peacefully passed away at the age of 92 on June 22, in Oak Harbor.

Bill was born April 19, 1923 in Rock Springs, Wyo. to William and Loretta Wunderlich.

His father became the first United Air Lines manager for Elko, Nev. which brought he and his brothers, Jack, Gene and sister Charlene to Elko.

After graduating from Elko High School, Bill entered the Army Air Corps and became a B17 pilot.

During World War II, Bill was shot down two times and was a prisoner of war each time. He was a POW in Czechoslovakia and Italy. When asked about his POW internments, he said “I was just doing my job for my country and God was my co-pilot.”

Upon his return to Elko, he and his future wife, Marge Hachquet, celebrated victory and danced their way to the altar February 23, 1945.

Following their marriage they were off to the University of Colorado in Boulder City, Colo.

After a couple years of school, they decided they wanted to return to Elko.

Bill worked for Stinson Berger Furniture Company, which he eventually purchased. Years later, he sold the furniture store to try a new adventure and established Wunderlich Insurance Agency. He sold New York Life Insurance and AFLAC Insurance for over 35 years. He loved the insurance business, knowing he was able to help people.

Bill so loved the people of Elko that he became deeply involved in the community. In 1953, he was president of the Jaycee’s and helped start the Elko Stampede/Rodeo. His care and contributions for Elko continued for over 60 years. He was very much involved with the Republican Party, Elko Fair Races, and Cowboy Poetry.

His passion for flying also helped create the Elko Air Races. He was a co-founder and helped establish Great Basin College. He helped in the building of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Northeastern Nevada Museum, the Basque Museum and Club House, the Convention Center, baseball fields and many more projects which have enriched the community.

His dedication to the homeless and to the community of Elko was done without fanfare. He dedicated his life to helping others.

In August of 2000, Bill and Marge moved to Oak Harbor to be near their daughter and family.

Bill loved the beauty of the Northwest and always enjoyed smoking his cigar overlooking the waters of the Puget Sound from his condo balcony.

Bill is survived by his children, Carol McMahon ( John) of Oak Harbor and Rob Wunderlich (Xenia) of Genoa, Nev.; grandchildren, Nicole Klages (Steve), Rich McMahon (Carrie), Carly Adams (Mike), Dusty Wunderlich, Vanessa Wunderlich and Jon Wunderlich (Sylvia); great-grandchildren, Evan and Ryan Klages, Kaylin and Erin McMahon, McKenzie, Connor and Kahlan Adams; his sister, Charlene Wunderlich; and his “other” kids, Greg Wenner, Sue Cunningham, Ann and Patty Evans plus numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life for 69 years, Marge, two sons, Willie and Ricky, his parents and siblings.

Thank you Regency on Whidbey for your wonderful, care, support and love. Words cannot adequately express our gratitude and appreciation. He loved you all.

A rosary will be held June 29 at Burns Funeral Home in Elko, Nev. Funeral services will be held June 30, 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, Nevada 89803; Northeastern Nevada Museum, 1515 Idaho Street, Elko Nevada 89801; or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1035 C Street, Elko, Nevada 89801.

Arrangements were entrusted to Whidbey Memorial in Oak Harbor and Burns Funeral Home in Elko, Nev. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com