Mark Wunder

Mark Wunder, age 75, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in Topeka.

He was born the 2nd of 12 children to Thomas Jerome and Beulah Faye (Roark) Wunder on January 19, 1950, in Topeka, KS. He was predeceased by sister, Kathleen Gayle Wunder Johnson; brother, Randall Leo Wunder; and sister, Trudy Ann Wunder.

Survivors include his eight siblings, Barbara Jo Hemphill (David), Beverly Wunder, Marilyn Filkins (Charles), Anita Dudding (Tad), Stanley Wunder (Connie), Paula Wunder (Shannon), Kelly Lopez (Thomas), James Wunder (Jennifer), and three generations of nieces, nephews, and two aunts and numerous cousins of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degrees.

Mark studied to be a priest, having graduated from Mt. St. Francis High School Seminary in Floyd Knobs, IN., with the Conventual Franciscans. He received his bachelor’s degree while still in the seminary from St. Louis University. He left the seminary while at St. Anthony Novitiate in Auburn, IN.

He worked for the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services in Pratt, Topeka, Hays, and back to Topeka for 33 years, retiring in 2006. Since then, he worked at some part-time jobs, including several years back with the SRS as a supervisor in the Low-Income Energy Assistance program.

He also was an active worker for the Shawnee County Election Office for the last 15 years.

Mark’s hobbies included playing the organ. He taught himself while in high school. He was a member of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. He played most recently at St. Matthew parish and Mater Dei parish in Topeka.

For the last 20 years, he also was active as a crew member in hot air ballooning and was active in the Great Plains Balloon Club. He loved attending rallies, having attended many in Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. He was an active bowler for 30 years.

In earlier years, he was active in several fraternal organizations, including the Elks, Sons of the American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus. He was a lifetime member of St. Matthew Council #13012 at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Topeka and a lifetime member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly #286 in Topeka. He was Past Grand Knight of the 3rd Degree in Hays, KS (St. Nicholas of Myra Council #10211), Former District Deputy in Hays, and Past Faithful Navigator of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly #286.

He will lie in state from 4-8:00 P.M., on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home with a 4th Degree Chalice Ceremony at 6:00 P.M., followed by a parish rosary.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M., on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Harvesters, INC and/or St. Matthew Catholic Church in care of the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.