Raymond T. “Ray” Wunder, age 58, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey suddenly on August 9, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Ray’s life, a private family service will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Ray’s family.

Ray was born on June 8, 1967, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Thomas G. and Mary Jane (Boge) Wunder.  He possessed an intrinsic adoration and devotion to family, friends, and God which never failed.  Ray was a drywaller and landscaper by trade, but for those who knew him well, he would boldly proclaim that his life was so much more than an identity derived from the daily work he put forth.  You see, Ray spent over 22 years with a brain tumor that upon its initial diagnosis was predicted to only give him 3 years left to spend here among us.  Ray did not take this reality lightly, nor did his family.  Almost immediately they leaned into the Lord for his mercy, healing and strength.  Prayer became a daily event, attendance in church became a new norm again, and by time the allotted three years had arrived, Ray’s tumor was decreasing and becoming manageable as the faith life of all those around him was increasing.

The Lord was gracious enough to send signs along the way when needed most to reassure everyone that He was ultimately sovereign over all things, in control of the trials we face in life as well as the blessings, and their prayers were being both heard and answered.  Ray, along with his family were given 22 years to trust God in their daily lives, petition Jesus for strength and healing, and ultimately watch the Holy Spirit do His work right before their eyes.  The spiritual realm which we often take for granted, or even miss existing all around us, was ever-present and using this situation for good in the end.  Ray’s testimony is one of coming home to Jesus…twice.  First, as a medical diagnosis opened his heart to something greater than himself; and secondly as he now begins his eternal life in the presence of God the Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

This mortal life we live has an end date for each one of us who is given his first breath. Each day we are alive is ultimately one day closer to the last one we will be granted.  Each life is uniquely equipped for this experience, rain will fall on the just and unjust alike, but ultimately it’s the freewill we are given which sets us apart from the rest of creation.  Ray and his family thankfully found the real purpose while living theirs out…to find and accept the truth that we are all temporary vessels walking towards an eternal state and only the One who created it all can help, bless, and love us unconditionally in both worlds…we just have to choose to believe.

We will miss Ray’s kind and gentle spirit walking among us, but we know and trust that we will see him again one day and for now we have his legacy to remind us that life is a journey and none of us ever has to walk it alone.  “Well done good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.  Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Those left to cherish the memory of Ray include,

his parents,
Tom (Mary Jane) Wunder, Dubuque, IA;

his siblings,
Kelly Hayes, Dubuque, IA,
and Beverly (John) Chase, Iowa City, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Ray was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents; his brother Thomas “T.J.” Wunder; and his brother-in-law, Jeff Hayes.

Ray’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the University of Iowa for all of their care and efforts over the last 22 years.  We would also like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Finley Hospital and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care of Ray and his family.  We would finally like to extend a very heartfelt and sincere thank you to Donnie and Michele Pierce for all of their generous love and support throughout Ray’s medical care and traveling back and forth to Iowa City.  All of you have played a very important and always appreciated role in Ray’s life, as well as ours, and we are forever grateful for each and every one of you.  May the Lord bless you just as you have been a blessing to us!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Raymond’s name to Hospice of Dubuque, 1670 JFK Rd, Dubuque, IA, 52002, or https://hospiceofdubuque.org

Online condolences may be shared with Ray’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com