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Kathryn Joan "Joni" Wunder, nee Houchins, 90, of West Des Moines left this life to go be with Our Lord and Savior on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026.
Joni was born on Sept. 19, 1935, in Freemont, Neb., to Marvalin “Step” and Georgia Houchins, the oldest of three girls. She graduated from St. Patrick’s Catholic High School in Freemont.
She met the love of her life, Arnold “Skip” Wunder, Jr., and they were married in September 1956. Skip and Joni traveled all around the U.S. while he was in the military, spending most of his military career in California before retiring to Storm Lake.
She adored her husband and five daughters. Joni was crazy for Elvis and was a terrific gardener. Her favorite color was pink. Joni was a devout Catholic and will be remembered for her unshakeable faith and devotion to her family, friends and nation.
She was proceeded in death by her husband Skip; her parents; and her youngest sister Patricia.
She is survived by her younger sister Margaret Cardoza; her five daughters; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church (15353 Pacific St., Omaha, NE 68154). A Wake and Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, in the Adoration Chapel, with lunch to follow.
