Nadine Grace (Cross) Wunder
Nadine was born on April 29, 1922, to Almond and Grace (Lowry) Cross in Howard, SD. At the age of 101, Nadine passed away peacefully on July 1, 2023, at Aspen Grove Assisted Living Center, Sturgis, SD.
Nadine attended Miner County grade and high schools, graduating in 1939 as Salutatorian. She then attended Eastern State Normal (Dakota State University) in Madison, SD, receiving a two-year teaching certificate. Her teaching career began at the Franklin Consolidated School south of Madison. Once her children were grown, she enjoyed being a substitute teacher in the Howard public schools.
Nadine married Richard Wunder on June 27, 1945, at the St John’s Lutheran Church parsonage in Howard, SD. They moved to a farm north of Howard where they lived a memorable family-centered life with their three children.
Richard and Nadine retired from farming in 1983 and moved to Howard. In 1975, they became “snowbirds” and started spending winters in Mesa, AZ, where they formed many lasting friendships. Richard passed away on March 5, 1997. Nadine continued to snowbird until 2017, when she permanently moved to Aspen Grove in Sturgis, SD, to be near one of her daughters. Nadine was one of the most loved and popular residents until she passed away. Her lifetime activities included crafting, sewing, baking, playing cards, dominos, and especially shuffleboard in Arizona, winning many trophies and being the 1983 State Champion!
Nadine was a faithful member of St John’s Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and was an active member of the Ladies Aid. They shared with their children and others the value of faith and religion, as faith in Christ Jesus was an important part of Nadine and Richard’s lives.
Survivors include one son, Bernard (Regine) of Lusby, MD; two daughters: Janet (John) of Sturgis, SD, and Susan (Jim) of Gilbert, AZ; six grandchildren: Candace (Rich), Jason (Kari), Bridget (Chris), Lisa (Yader), Valerie, and Jacquie; and one brother-in-law John Wunder in addition to several nieces and nephews. There are also seven great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren that blessed her life.
Nadine was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, her parents, brother (Stanley Cross), and sister (Sylvia VanScharrel). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St John’s Lutheran Church or the St John’s Lutheran Church cemetery endowment fund.
Nadine’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to Pastor Thomas Brown, the Aspen Grove staff, and Monument Health Hospice for their care and compassion.
Service will be held at 11 am on July 13, 2023, at St John’s Lutheran Church, Howard, SD, with visitation beginning one hour prior to service. Luncheon to follow. Interment will be alongside her beloved husband at St John’s Cemetery, Howard, SD.
