Ivan “Van” Wunderlich, age 98, of Demorest, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
Mr. Wunderlich was born on January 22, 1926, in Highland Park, Michigan, to the late Frank J. Wunderlich and Flora A. Schulewitz Wunderlich. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Virginia “Ginger” Bower Wunderlich; brothers, Roy Wunderlich and Earl Wunderlich.
He graduated from high school in 1943 and proudly served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. As a ball turret gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress, Van contributed to the war effort with courage and dedication. After the war, he pursued his education at Lawrence Technical School in Highland Park, Michigan, which set the foundation for a distinguished 38-year career with Eastern Airlines. Van excelled in the In-Flight Service Department, where he served as a Flight Attendant Supervisor and Manager in Miami, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia.
A man of many talents, Van was also a passionate music director and organist, sharing his love of music with several churches in Miami, Clarkesville, and Demorest. His commitment to service extended beyond the airline industry; he was a proud member of the Brotherhood of Veterans and Patriots in Cornelia, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7720, and an active participant in the American Legion in Clarkesville. In addition to his military and professional accomplishments, Van also sold several paintings through the Georgia Arts Guild in Clayton. His creative spirit shone brightly as he sang with the Piedmont College Choir for 20 years and participated in the Habersham Community Theater in Clarkesville.
Survivors include his son, Jon Wunderlich, of Lawrenceville; daughter, Joy Pruitt, of Cleveland; grandchildren, Raleigh Smith and Charlotte Wunderlich, both of Loganville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel.
A Private Entombment will be held at the Yonah Memorial Gardens.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, October 14, 2024, at the Ebenezer Methodist Church with Pastor Tom Fish officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.
