Robert Wayne Tungland II was born in Des Moines, Iowa on August 28, 1949 to Robert Tungland, president of Meredith Burda Publishing U.S. division and Pauline Virginia Tungland, a homemaker; and passed away on December 20, 2019.
Robert graduated from Des Moines High School in 1965 and enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve while attending University of Iowa. After graduation with a B.A. in Psychology he attended Drake University and graduated with a Master’s in Psychology.
Robert went on to become the director of Glenwood Resource Center, an institution that provided long term care to developmentally disabled individuals.
With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Robert moved to Arizona to become instrumental in advocating at the legislature for the closure of institutions that housed many citizens with developmental disabilities since birth. This removed an old antiquated confinement system from society yet reserving it for criminals. Integrating individuals with developmental disabilities into communities and society become Roberts quest.
In 1983, he established, the Tungland Corporation, which became one of the largest human resource agencies in the Southwest. Their mission was to assist and provide individuals with disabilities to live independently with minimal assistance, and, without the technology we have today, required creativity and innovation. This groundbreaking social construct allowed those who had or would be confined in an institution to live in an apartment, or house, go to school, obtain a job, etc. and to be taught the skills to allow and assist them to reach their full potential independence.
The Tungland Corporation diversified their services to include home, occupational, and educational mentors and advocates and expanded geographically to Oregon, Connecticut, Nevada, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Thousands of individuals have experienced great improvement in the quality of their lives due to the influence of Robert and The Tungland Corporation.
Robert is survived by his 3 children and 2 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (www.hdsa.org).
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix.
Vincent P. Kruse
It was a great privilege to know and to work for this great, compassionate, creative man, whose vision encompassed the freedom of persons long considered beneath society’s efforts. His devotion to the people he served was impeccable and always inspired all of us to continue to do better. “Supporting ALL people to be part of THEIR community” was his motto. My heartfelt condolences to the Tungland family are extended knowing that Robert Tungland’s vision will be a lasting legacy, a constant inspiration, and a fitting tribute to his life and work.
Peter S. Davis
I am very sorry for your loss. Bob built a tremendous enterpriSe and helped many in his life.
Jeff Shiffman
I met Bob when I started with The Tungland Corp in February of 2008. Getting to know him thru the years, I always found him to be an extremely generous and kind hearted person. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on. My deep condolences to his family.
Tiffiny Rivera
I’m so sorry for your loss. Bob was always friendly whenever I saw him. His legacy lives on thru his family and The Tungland Corporation.
Rob Williams
I am so sorry to hear. Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Shun those studies in which the work that results dies with the worker.” And Bob did certainly accomplish that with the legacy he left behind for the world. Thank you, Bob.
Karisha Saleem
I only seen him a few times but everytime I seen him he always took the time to speak to me. Bob will forever be in our hearts. May he rest in peace. I send my condolences to his family.
Kara Neal
We were never formally introduced, but I would always see him walking sown the hall with his caretaker and he always, always Smiled at me and gave me a wave. I was very proud to work at The Tungland Corporation for 7 years. I’ve learned a lot and thank everyone there for the great learning opportunities. Rest Well Mr Tungland. You will be missed.
Jonisha Tarpley
Bob! You were a great man. Thank you for you legacy. You will be heavily missed. We are oh-so grateful for your Life.
Fly Above
MaryFrances Lewis
Bob Tungland had great vision with regard to those who cannot advocate for themselves. As a parent of an individual served by a Tungland group home, my heartfelt sorrow to his children and grandchildren. And, of course, those within Tungland Corporation who knew him well.
MaryFrances Lewis
Rebecca Jonas
I did not have the privilege off meeting Robert, but I was saddened at hearing of this loss. My condolences go to his family and all who knew him. My aunt benefited from Tungland’s services and I have enjoyed working for Tungland in the New Mexico field.
Thank you all for the love, thought and work that has gone into improving lives.
Theresa Borges
It has been an honor working for Bob Tungland these past 14 years. He was a kind and caring man, and his vision of serving all members will live on. My office was right next to Bob’s, so I often had the privilege of assisting him with minor office duties – and getting him the occasional Power Bagel or smoothie. He made such a positive difference in the members we serve, but also in my life. I will miss him.
Janet Gant
I had the privilege of working for Bob over 18 years ago when his company was a lot smaller and everyone knew everyone. He was very smart, innovative man and had a vision for those he served, He didn’t let much stand in the way of those visions. I learned a lot from him and those skills I still use today which include empowering and advocating for the members we serve. He will never be forgotten!!