Theodore R Gunder

Theodore “Teddy, Daddy, Pops, Popo, Grandpa Ted” Gunder passed away on May 14, 2015. Theodore was born on October 21, 1927 in Meriden, Connecticut to Anna Christina and Herman Charles Gunder and was raised in Manhattan. Theodore proudly served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He met and later married Dorothy Wren in 1955. He received a B.B.A. from Pace University and an M.B.A. from New York University. After moving to New Jersey, Theodore and Dorothy became the proud parents of Susan and Jimmy Gunder. Theodore worked for Exxon Chemicals, who brought him happily to Houston in 1972. He was a loyal employee until his retirement in 1986. After converting to Catholicism, he was an active member of St. John Vianney for 43 years, where he enjoyed volunteering through Meals on Wheels, the Men’s Club and he served on the Parish Council. Ted had an active social life and enjoyed racquetball, golf, gardening, poker, going to the movies and being on the Guys and Dolls bowling team, but his favorite hobby was eating any type of dessert. He loved playing, coaching and watching all sports, especially the Yankees. Theodore was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Dorothy Gunder, his daughter Susan Golden, and his son Jimmy Gunder and his wife Peggy. He is also survived by his grandchildren Dustin Golden and his wife Emily, Brittany Golden and her fiancé Robert Wilson, Zachary and Autumn Gunder, his sister-in-law Grace Layden, many nieces and nephews, and his dog Tinkerbell. He will be forever in our memories. Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm, on Sunday May 17, 2015 at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. A mass celebrating his life will be held at St. John Vianney on Monday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.