Donald Fredrick Wunderly, resident of rural Fort Scott, passed away January 4, 2025, at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri.
Born July 26, 1950, in Fort Scott to Fred and Julia (Brennan) Wunderly, Don graduated from FSHS in 1968. He was active in football, FFA and 4H. He attended University of Arkansas pursuing a Physical Education degree. He excelled in football and served as a team captain. Don went on to play football for the British Columbia Lions and briefly in the NFL.
He found true contentment on the family farm where he settled with his wife and children. He was known for his physical strength and unwavering work ethic as well as his willingness to help anyone in need. An avid outdoorsman, Don had a passion for hunting and fishing, and he enjoyed chopping firewood – a task he continued until shortly before his passing. He enjoyed simple pleasures like daily country drives with his wife, Peggy, always passing by neighboring family farms and stopping at Dayton Cemetery to pay respects to departed loved ones. Don also treasured spending time with his children and grandchildren, engaging in outdoor activities and playing pitch or dominos. He loved sharing stories around the bonfire.
Don married Mary Margaret (Peggy) Grillot in Saint Francis Church in St Paul, KS, on September 27, 1974. She survives of the home. Also surviving are his children; Megan Weddle, Fort Scott, and Nate (Jade) Wunderly of Overland Park, and grandchildren Kaeli (Clay) Holloway and Delani Weddle of Fort Scott, Brennan and Braylan Wunderly of Overland Park, and great-grandson Trey Holloway of Fort Scott.
Surviving siblings include a sister, Barbara Schmidt and brothers Mike Wunderly, Dan (Stephanie) Wunderly, and twin brother Ron Wunderly, all of Fort Scott, Joe (Marsha) Wunderly of Fulton, sister-in-law Linda Wunderly of Mapleton and numerous and beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Julia, sister; Pat Cook and brother Lawrence Wunderly.
Following cremation, Father Yancey Burgess will celebrate the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The Rosary will be at 9:00 a.m. prior to services at the church. Private family interment will take place at a later date in the Dayton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Don Wunderly Memorial and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
Don’s family would like to extend special thanks to the nurses and supportive staff of Girard Medical Center and all of Research Medical Center.
