Francis James Wunderlich

Francis was born on September, 15, 1927 in Broken Bow, Nebraska. He was the seventh of nine children born to Mary Lenora and Cyril Henry Wunderlich. Fran outlived all of his siblings.

In 1940, the family moved to California. Fran completed high school in 1945 and by the next October was drafted into the Army. In 1946, he re-enlisted in the Air Force and trained as an Air Traffic Controller. He was sent to Komoki, Japan and received additional training as a Radio Mechanic.

During his stent in Japan, he was promoted to Corporal. He was awarded an Army Commendation Ribbon for rescuing a fellow soldier from a burning barracks. Fran told the story of a parade being given in his honor for his heroic action. Apparently, the parade was to take place in the early morning hours, and the other soldiers weren't too keen on attending. One lamented, "who's this guy they are giving the parade for?" To which Fran answered, "Oh, some jerk!"

In 1947, he was promoted to Sergeant. Upon completing his service, he returned home to California. His time and training in the service contributed to his academic pursuits when he enrolled in college.

He also caught the eye of a pretty young lady from Indiana. She was in California to help her brother's family during an illness. Needless to say, Margaret Beardsley never returned to Indiana. On July 1st, 1950, Francis and Marge wed. A union that lasted over 50 years and brought eight children. Fran and Marge worked together to build a life and raise their expanding family. Marge accompanied Fran to Germany for several months to complete a Hughes Project. She was always there to offer her loving support and keep things afloat on the home front.

In 1951, Fran graduated from Compton College with an AA degree. Soon afterwards, he enrolled at USC. In 1954, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. With family and school commitments, Fran managed to graduate as a TAU BETA PI National Engineering Scholastic Honorary. Continuing his education, he completed his Master's Degree in 1956.

Fran began his employment at Hughes Aircraft soon after receiving his Bachelor’s Degree and retired in 1989 after 35 years of dedicated service.

Fran had so many varied interests in life. He started a golf club with his Hughes colleagues; he was the President of his square dance club, studied the Japanese language and the list goes on. Marge as always, was by his side. With the children grown, they now had the time to travel extensively.

When Marge was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Fran researched every treatment and clinical trial he could find to support her. Sadly, Marge passed away in 2002. Fran was devastated and remarked how difficult it was and how lonely he felt.

Fran and Marge had taken up square dancing and so enjoyed it. At Marge's request, he continued to square dance. His good friend Joan Nemsgern also lost her husband and dance partner, it was a great match for her and Fran to dance together. That blossomed into a long partnership of 20 years, where the avid travelers enjoyed driving and traveling around the world.

Joan has been a tremendous source of strength and support to Fran and the family. We are all very grateful for everything she did to make life easier on Fran, and all of us.

Family was so important to Fran; he always attended milestone events for his children and grandchildren. Graduations, weddings and holidays were things he always took part in.

Francis had a kind and generous heart and a great sense of humor. A good deal of his daily mail and calls were from charities seeking donations.

For 58 years, everyone was welcome at the Somerset house. Many happy hours were spent playing games, visiting, or splashing in the pool.

Two of Fran’s sons, Tom and Rich predeceased him. He never stopped missing them.

Francis took great pride in his family and their achievements. A look at the mantle or refrigerator tells a life story in pictures; a memory lane. As a family, we are proud of how Francis lived life. Always eager to learn and never let a new challenge stop him. The last couple of years were increasingly difficult for him, but he would jokingly state, "95 was okay, I don't recommend 96 or 97."

We honor and love you, Francis James Wunderlich. A life well-lived.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Francis' memory may be made to American Kidney Fund, https://www.kidneyfund.org/.