Tom Edward Wunder Sr.

Tom Edward Wunder, age 77, of Fair Oaks, California, passed away on August 4, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a family who loved him dearly.

Tom was born on October 28, 1948, in Marin County, California, to Robert and Pauline Wunder. He grew up in San Rafael, where he attended Marin High School. From an early age, Tom was a hardworking, hands-on person who could fix, build, or figure out just about anything. If something needed to be done, Tom was the person you could count on to get it done—and to do it the right way.

Tom proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Seabee and was a Vietnam veteran. His dedication to his country was an important part of who he was, and his strong work ethic followed him throughout his life.

Tom spent many years working as a mechanic, a career that suited his natural ability to work with his hands and solve problems. He eventually became the Property Inventory Manager for California State Parks and Recreation, where he took great pride in his work. Tom believed in doing things correctly and giving every job his best effort. He was not someone who took shortcuts—he believed that if you were going to do something, you should do it right.

Tom enjoyed keeping busy and had a love for many different hobbies and adventures. He enjoyed working on and restoring cars, camping, boating, hunting, splitting logs for the fireplace, attending black powder rendezvous, and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He loved building things and was especially proud of the things he made for his grandchildren, including growth charts and toy boxes. These were more than just things he built—they were pieces of himself that he gave to the people he loved.

But as much as Tom loved working with his hands and being outdoors, his greatest joy was his family.

He was a devoted husband to his wife, Patricia, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Together they built a life filled with family, memories, hard work, laughter, and love. Tom was a father who loved his children and a grandfather who cherished his grandchildren. Some of his happiest moments were spent simply being with his family and watching his grandchildren grow.

Tom will be remembered for his strong personality, his determination, his incredible work ethic, and his ability to fix almost anything. He will also be remembered for the stories, the projects, the adventures, and all of the little moments that made him who he was. Most of all, he will be remembered as a man who loved his family and showed that love in the way he lived his life.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Patricia Ann Wunder; his children, Rochelle “Shellie” Wunder-Scioletti, Tom Wunder Jr. and his spouse, Alecia Wunder, and Terence “Terry” Wunder and his spouse, Jennifer Wunder; and his grandchildren, Brandon, Alexis, Cali, Amanda, Ian, and Ashley.

He is also survived by his brothers, Donald Wunder and John Wunder. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Wunder, and sister, Pam Joseph-Wunder.

Though Tom is no longer with us, his memory will live on in the people he loved, the things he built, the lessons he taught, and the countless memories he left behind. His family will carry those memories with them always.

He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, a veteran, a mechanic, a builder, and a man who believed in doing things the right way. But above all, he was family—and he will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held in October 2026, with the date and location to be determined. The family will share details once arrangements have been finalized.