Wanda June Luther

Wanda June Luther (née Lau) June 16, 1937 – January 8, 2025

Wanda June Luther, born June 16, 1937, was one of ten children born (in the family home) to Dorothea and Clinton Lau. Growing up in Northeast Iowa, she had three sisters and six brothers. Wanda cherished her large family, enjoying annual gatherings at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. These occasions were filled with picnics, card games, beer, croquet and horseshoes. Milestone celebrations, such as Grandma and Grandpas 60th wedding anniversary, drew family members from across the country. Funerals and special events were “Midwest Traditional”, hosted in the church basement with homemade casseroles, salads, and desserts.

At just 19 years old, Wanda married the love of her life, James “Jim” Burton Luther, who was 20 at the time. Shortly after their wedding, Jim was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, as part of his Army service. Wanda often recalled how her father encouraged her to join Jim in Hawaii, urging her to embrace the opportunity to build a life beyond the small Iowa railroad town they called home. She never regretted that decision. Their first child, Pamela Marie, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii a time Wanda fondly remembered as “poor as dirt but rich in love.” In Hawaii, they lived simply, savoring the beauty of the beaches and the joy of their growing family.

After returning to the Midwest, Wanda, Jim, and Pam lived in various locations across Iowa and Minnesota before settling in Shoreview, Minnesota. They made their home on an acre of land along Turtle Lake Road, surrounded by beautiful woods and fields, with neighboring homes spread far apart. Wanda had a remarkable green thumb, and a talent for nurturing plants. Jim built her a stunning south-facing solarium, where she created a lush, garden-like retreat. Her creativity extended to their home’s interior, where she took on remodeling projects herself, turning their modest rambler into a cozy and stylish space filled with unique beauty and warmth.

Wanda and Jim longed to expand their family but faced challenges. They adopted three children: Jody Ann in 1964, Jeffrey James in 1965, and Paul Robert in 1967. Tragically, Paul faced significant health challenges after a medical procedure near his optic nerve at just nine months old. Consequently, Paul had multiple brain surgeries, paralysis and blindness and passed away at the tender age of four. Wanda’s heart broke with this loss, a pain she carried with her for the rest of her life. She asked that her ashes be spread over Paul’s grave as a big part of her heart always belonged to Paul.

Wanda’s life took another turn when she lost Jim in 1987 after 30 years of marriage. At 50, she faced the challenge of rebuilding her life. She moved into her first new home, a townhouse in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, and worked tirelessly at Walmart, as she did everywhere she worked from “The Sandpiper Restaurant” the old “Tom Thumb” and the “Amoco” station where she became lifelong friends with Joan Tschida. After retirement, Wanda relocated to Lansing, Iowa, to be closer to her remaining siblings. Surrounded by the beauty of the rolling hills along the Mississippi River Valley, she enjoyed scenic views and created new memories with friends and family.

Wanda loved simple pleasures: reading, gardening, watching movies, playing cards, and gambling. She had a knack for celebrating her wins and keeping her losses a secret. Her superstitions and rituals made every trip to the casino a memorable adventure.

In her final years, Wanda faced health challenges with dignity and determination. Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, she refused treatment, choosing instead to focus on joy and family. Her daughter Pam ensured Wanda spent her remaining time surrounded by love, organizing gatherings and celebrations. Wanda reconnected with her five grandchildren, their spouses, and ten great-grandchildren, savoring every moment.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband Jim, her sons Paul Robert and Jeffrey James, and her great grandson Christopher Schlemmer. She also lost all her brothers and one sister over a very short period. Her last words captured her unbending spirit: “We sure had fun; I want to go with my brothers now.”

Wanda was tough and Wanda was strong, but her immense heart shone through in her love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. May she find peace in heaven, surrounded by her angel babies, cherished siblings and one and only Jim.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota.  The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.