Jim Wonderlich

Raymond James Wonderlich “Jim”, 91, of Ollie, passed away Monday, July 8, 2024, at the Keota Health Care Center in Keota. Jim was born on the family farm near Ollie on Friday, March 3, 1933, the son of Raymond and Clara Fritchen Wonderlich. Jim graduated from Ollie High School with the class of 1950. Following High School he farmed. On May 15, 1953, Jim entered the United States Army and was honorably discharged on May 2, 1955. Upon his discharge he returned home and resumed farming. He married Wanda Boeyink on June 23, 1957, in a double ring ceremony with Wanda’s sister Gertrude and Ralph Yoder at the Hedrick United Methodist Church. Jim had a number of jobs to supplement his farm income over his lifetime, including serving as a county supervisor and selling heavy construction equipment, but at –heart, he was always a farmer and never fully retired from that occupation. He believed in being a good steward of the land and being a good neighbor. Though he loved every aspect of the farm, he especially enjoyed raising cattle and did just that for 70 years. He loved the Ollie community and Keokuk County. He was generous with his time and talents to many organizations that serve those communities. Jim was a Korean War Veteran and was honored to participate in the Freedom Flight to Washington D.C. He joined the Masonic Lodge as a young man and achieved the 32nd Degree. He was very active with the Kaaba Shriners; he participated in many parades with the RAGTOP Convertible group. He was an active member of the Prairie View Church. He donated several trees from his farm to be used to make the woodwork for the church. Jim was proud of his children and grandchildren. In the mid 1990’s Wanda and Jim decided that winters were more enjoyable in southern Texas. The couple enjoyed traveling to their home in Alamo Palms for over 20 years. Jim enjoyed fishing trips with buddies as well as hunting. He started with hunting raccoon, quail and pheasant, and eventually added turkey and deer hunting. He looked forward to deer hunting season every year, though it may have been more about having his close family and friends around and the camaraderie they shared than the hunting. The spread of food and snacks in the shed was of particular appeal to him. However, his appreciation for food extended well beyond hunting season. Additionally, he enjoyed golfing, and playing cards and pool. Jim also was an excellent dancer. Jim survived by two daughters: Lee (& Brian) Leppert of Wauconda, Illinois and Lynn (& David) Wilkerson of Adel, Iowa; five grandchildren: Amanda (& Nate) Foster, Wade and Gable Leppert and Derek (& Jennifer) Wilkerson and T.J. (& Stephanie) Wilkerson; one sister: Laura Tucker of Bondurant; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Wanda who died October 25, 2017, Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter in infancy: Lee Ann Wonderlich; and a brother, Bill Wonderlich. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 12, 2024, at 10:30 AM. in the Prairie View Church with Pastor Steven Lamb officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Ollie Cemetery. Military Honors given by members of the United States Army Honor Guard. Visitation will begin Thursday, July 11, 2024, after 4 P.M. at the Prairie View Church near Ollie, with the family present at the church Friday from 5-7 P.M. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the family, and they will distribute them to the charity of their choice at a later date.

Jim Wonderlich

March 3, 1933 - July 8, 2024

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Jim Wonderlich

March 3, 1933 - July 8, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support