James "Chris" Christopher Laundy

MOUNT HOREB - James Christopher Laundy, 79, of Mount Horeb, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday evening, March 24, 2024. Mr. Laundy (who went by Chris) was a U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran (1965 - 69), former Mount Horeb Lions Club president, Boy Scout leader, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

He was born on Nov. 27, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late James Roy and Mary Jo (nee Harwood) Laundy. The family lived in Chardon, Ohio, before relocating to Racine, Wis., in 1965. Chris was introduced to the love of his life, Phyllis Mueller, by his mother, Mary Jo, at his sister, Kathy’s, wedding while on leave from Navy service in 1968. And as the love story goes, after their first date, Phyllis told her sister, Mary Jane, that she was going to marry him! After honorable discharge he returned to Racine, and they married July 22, 1972. He received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from UW-Parkside in 1974.

Chris and Phyllis moved to Mount Horeb in 1976 where they raised their two children, Michael and Joan. He worked for Rayovac (Madison and Fennimore, Wis.), Placon (Madison, Wis.) and Famous Footwear distribution centers (Sun Prairie, Wis., Bakersfield, Calif., and Lebanon, Tenn.).

Chris loved nature, animals, and the outdoors.  He enjoyed sharing his knowledge for hunting with his son, Michael, great-nephew, Jimmy and nephew, Tyler; and enjoyed sharing the outdoors with his daughter, Joan, by going morel and asparagus hunting.  Chris especially loved taking long nature walks with his grandson, Jordy, as well as showing Jordy how to conduct a proper handshake. Chris enjoyed camping and fishing, or any activity where he could watch wildlife. As a long time, Boy Scout leader, he also taught them about canoeing, knot tying, living in the wild, and respect for nature.   Chris carried on the Laundy family tradition of making gingerbread houses and people with Jordy, Michael, and Joan along with Jordy’s Daycare. Chris loved firing his cannon on the 4th of July and special events. Chris was adventurous and loved traveling.  He enjoyed spending time in Japan for work, traveling all over the U.S., including Alaska many times, and taking his wife, Phyllis, on cruises throughout Europe.  Most of all, Chris loved his family.  He was devoted to his children and his grandson, Jordy.   His favorite trips were family vacations, especially to Gulf Shores, Ala.  Chris was blessed to be able to share Gulf Shores with his grandson, Jordy, in August of 2023, an extremely special last family vacation for him.

Mr. Laundy is survived by his wife of 52 years, Phyllis Laundy of Mount Horeb; daughter, Joan Laundy (Jeremy Kienitz) of Mount Horeb; son, Michael Laundy of Madison; sisters, Gretchen Smith of Long Island, N.Y., and Kathy Jaeck of Racine, Wis.; grandson, Jordy Johnson of Mount Horeb; and many beloved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and extended family. In addition to family, he is survived by many treasured friends.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Lang and the entire UW Carbone Cancer Center, and Agrace Hospice for their compassionate care.

A funeral service with military honors will be held at MOUNT HOREB UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 9542 County Highway S, Mount Horeb, at 12 noon on Friday, April 5, 2024, with the Rev. Becky Rokitowski officiating. A luncheon will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations be made to the United Methodist Church, Mount Horeb, the Mount Horeb Lions Club and the Boy Scouts of America. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077