Wanda J. Beemer

Wanda Beemer, age 80, of Appleton, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2013 with her family by her side. She was born on April 14, 1933 in Downs, Kansas, the daughter of the late Eugene and Mable (Carey) Kurtz. On August 15, 1954, Wanda married Maynard Beemer in Lyona, Kansas. She was a member of the Chrylis – a Spiritual Formation Group; and Expressions of Faith, a group that makes gift baskets and quilts for Habitat for Humanity new home owners; and Church of Women United. Wanda was a faithful member of the Church Choir in any congregation that Rev. Maynard and she called home. She was involved with mission trips to Shannondale, Missouri; Habitat for Humanity in Creel, Mexico; and had ten trips to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi. Wanda was the recipient of two awards, in 2003 she was nominated for Woman of the Year by the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ; and in 2003 received the Volunteer Award from Advocap.
She is survived by her loving husband, Rev. Maynard Beemer; daughter, Gina (Chuck) Schroeder; son-in-law, Peter Sorenson; grandchildren: Ali, Taylor, and Hannah Schroeder; Sam Sorenson; two brothers: Don (Carol) Kurtz, and Robert (Linda) Kurtz. Wanda is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Tamra Sorenson, and a sister, Virginia Black.
The memorial service for Wanda will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 724 East South River Street in Appleton. Rev. Stephen P. Savides and Rev. Jane B. Anderson will be officiating. Inurnment will take place in the church's Memorial Garden. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church on Tuesday from 5:00 pm until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Memorial Garden or Beemer Endowment Fund at First Congregational United Church of Christ are appreciated. Online condolences can be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com