Wanda Jenkins, age 92 of North Platte, peacefully passed away on August 15, 2023, at David Place in David City where she had been residing.
Wanda was born in Wellfleet on December 25, 1930, to McKinley and Dena (Rucker) Goodwin. She grew up in Lincoln County and graduated as valedictorian of Hershey High School in 1948. Wanda later graduated from Kearney State College in 1971 with her BA in Education and her MA in Administration in 1981. She taught in many rural schools around Lincoln County and was Frontier County Superintendent of Schools from 1974-79. She later worked in bookkeeping for several businesses.
On December 30, 1948, Wanda married Wilber Lightfritz at Hershey. They had 5 children and were married for 23 years when he unexpectedly passed away in 1971. She married Cecil Imler at Sutherland in 1984. After Cecil's death in 1991, Wanda married John Jenkins at Council Groves, KS, on September 5, 1992, and they were together until his passing in 2003.
Wanda was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, R.S.V.P., and a life member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary. When Wanda and John were together, they belonged to the Mission Service Corps. and traveled to Oklahoma, Arizona, Missouri, Florida, Alaska, and many places in-between. After his death she did mission work for the Oregon Trail Baptist Association (O.T.B.A.) for 7 years. Wanda enjoyed being a volunteer and playing music for residents at South Oak Manor. She was kind and generous with her time and talents.
Along with her husbands, Wanda was preceded in death by her infant son, Johnny Lightfritz; daughter, Shirley Szwanek; her parents, McKinley and Dena Goodwin; brothers, Lyle and Dale Goodwin; and sisters, Iola Eckhoff, Mary Russell and Cora Mae Whittaker.
Survivors include her daughter, Kay (Doug) Reznicek of Rising City, NE; sons, Michael Lightfritz of Columbus and Scott (Tammi) Lightfritz of Sidney; son-in-law, David (Mary) Szwanek of North Platte; stepchildren, David Jenkins, Tommy Jenkins and Joyce Jenkins; brother-in-law, Melvin Eckhoff of Sutherland; sister-in-law, Altene Goodwin of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Gary, Dannille, James David, Brandy, Scott, Jamie, Shelby, Shawna and Brandon; great-grandchildren, Santana, Anyssa, Tristan, Colton, Lexie, Sophia, Hazel and Autumn; great great-grandson, Zayvier; as well as many other family.
Cremation was chosen and graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 29, 2023 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, south of Maxwell, Nebraska, with Pastor Doug Lee of Two Rivers Fellowship officiating. The memorial book may be signed online at odeanchapel.com.
Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.