Wanda Wilkens

WANDA WILKENS

1923-2015

Wanda Lausten Wilkens passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 27, 2015.  At 91, she lived a long life filled with love and service.

Wanda was born in Maxwell, California, on November 10, 1923, to Charles Matthias Lausten and Olga Charlotte Sorensen Lausten.  After the death of her mother when she was five, she and her two brothers and two sisters were raised with four cousins as part of an extended family.  She loved being part of a large family raised on a ranch.  After graduating from Maxwell High School, she went to San Jose State College where she met her future husband, Kenneth Edward Wilkens.  They were married June 28, 1944, at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas, where Ken was a flight instructor. 

Following the war, the final years of college, and a brief time in San Francisco, Wanda and Ken moved to Napa in 1949 when Ken took a position as an art teacher for the Napa Unified School District.  Wanda dedicated herself to family, church, and community.  She enjoyed being a homemaker and creating a loving, supportive home for her family.  She also cherished her extended family.  The annual family picnic (which has taken place for over 120 years) was her favorite event.

Wanda was a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Napa.  She was an honorary life member of Presbyterian Women.  Outside church, Wanda was active in the PTA, Faculty Wives, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the Napa Concert Association.

From 1969 to 1977, Ken and Wanda were the owners of Vintage 1870 in Yountville.  She especially enjoyed events at The Chutney Kitchen and The Depot Gallery where Ken was a watercolorist for many years.

After retirement, Wanda and Ken enjoyed traveling with friends throughout the United States and Europe.  She enjoyed playing bridge and socializing with friends. And through the years, her home was the scene of many joyful gatherings.

Wanda was a follower of Christ and desired to receive people as Jesus would.  She loved and accepted people as they were.  Kind, thoughtful, and generous, she always asked, “What can I do for you?”  Her last words were “Love each other.” She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Wanda is survived by her sister, Lynn Kearns of Portland, Oregon; her cousin, Jan Baker of Fort Jones; two children, Kathie (Don) McConnell and Warren Wilkens of Napa; five grandchildren, Amy McConnell of Louisville, Kentucky; Luke (Jen) McConnell of San Clemente; Nate (Liz) Wilkens of Napa; Brady (Leigh) Wilkens of Napa; and Emily Wilkens of Napa; eight great- grandchildren, Cash, Maggie, and Molly McConnell; Kailey and Gianna Wilkens; and Tytan, Beckett and Savy Bradley; along with numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Debbie Loflin, Susan Kinne, Annie Polacchi, and Suzie Steen who lovingly cared for Wanda for many years and became her dear friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 6, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. in the Tulocay Chapel, 411 Coombsville Road, Napa, CA, 94559.

Memorial contributions may be made to The First Presbyterian Church Major Maintenance Fund (for earthquake repair), 1333 Third Street, Napa, CA, 94559.  Memories and words of sympathy may be shared with the family on-line at www.tulocaycemetery.org.

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