Wanda B. Reiche

Wanda B. Reiche 95, formerly of Marathon, died Friday August 20, 2010 at Harmony Living Center Terrace Court, Wausau under the care of the Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. She was born August 29, 1914, in Marathon County, daughter of the late Otto and Helen (Schroeder) Winkert. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church, Rib Falls. On October 27, 1934 she married Martin W. Reiche in Rib Falls. They farmed together in the town of Rib Falls later moving to Marathon. He preceded her in death November 4, 1971. Wanda was presently a member of St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church, Edgar and had the distinction of being the oldest member, just 9 days short of her 96th birthday. After the death of her husband, Wanda was employed as cook for the former Rib Falls Ballroom and later at Rib River Ballroom, Marathon having worked there until the age of 85. In her younger days Wanda enjoyed square dancing and gardening. She was a wonderful cook and among her specialties were lemon meringue pies and chicken dressing. She especially enjoyed family gatherings and birthday parties of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Survivors include a son Ronald (Jean) Reiche, Edgar, a daughter Elaine (Ronald) Hanke, Marathon, six grandchildren: Bruce (Dawn) Hanke, Bryan (Teresa) Hanke, Brenda (Doug) Stencil, Dr. Jayne (Kurt) Rowe, Jeff (Jill) Reiche, Gary (Sue) Reiche, 11 great grandchildren: Justin and Gabrielle Hanke, Allison, Anna, Erika Stencil, Matthew and Britta Rowe, Will and Rebecca Reiche, Andy and Derek Reiche, three step-granddaughters: Holly Schneider Garcia, Heather and Amber Schneider, a step-great granddaughter Broeleigh Garcia, and a sister-in-law, Gertrude Reiche, Wausau, along with other relatives and friends. Wanda was preceded by her parents, her husband and three sisters: Wera Rusch, Wolga Dirks and Wilma Zunker. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday August 26, 2010 at St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church, Edgar. Rev. LaDonna Ekern will officiate. Burial will be in the Edgar Cemetery. Friends may call on Weds. From 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. A prayer service will be held at 6:45 p.m. at the church on Wednesday. The family would like to thank Harmony Terrace Court Assisted Living for their compassionate and loving care shown to Wanda over the years and a special thank you to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice and their staff. Memorials to the St. Stephen Handicapped Fund are being accepted in Wanda's name. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com