Charles Wunder

Charles Cooper Wunder, age 93, of Iowa City passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 5, 2022. 

Charles Wunder lived a long, meaningful, and joy-filled life. He was a devoted and loving husband, a wonderful father, a cherished grandfather, and a friend of many. He will be remembered as a bright and kind man of quick and unique wit. Charles enjoyed good food and drink, especially when with friends and family.

He was born in Pittsburgh, PA on October 2, 1928 the son of Edgar and Annabel (Cooper) Wunder. He graduated from Washington and Jefferson College with an AB in Biology in 1949 and from the University of Pittsburgh with PhD in Biophysics in 1954. Charles began his academic career as an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology of the University of Iowa, rising to the rank of Professor in 1971 and retiring in 1998 after 44 years of teaching, scholarship, and service. His major and sustained scientific contributions were focused on understanding the effects of varied gravitational forces on biological materials and systems. He belonged to numerous scientific organizations. In 2000 he received the Founder’s Award from the American Society of Gravitational and Space Biology.

On April 4, 1962 he was united in marriage to Marcia Barnes Wunder who survives. Also surviving are three sons, E. Douglas and Amy (Pfeiller) Wunder of Kutztown, PA, David and Tricia (Hanrahan) Wunder of Grand Rapids, MI, and Donald and Jill (Jeeter) Wunder of Hermitage, TN; and five grandchildren: Daniel, Cara, Annabel, Luke, and Cooper.

The family will hold a private celebration of his life. Memorials may be made to the Youth Program of Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church in Iowa City, IA.   

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