Glenda Wanless of Isanti died September 19, 2010 at MercyHospital in Coon Rapids. Funeral services will be at 1:30 P.M. on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at Long Lake Lutheran Church in rural Isanti with Rev. Dave Solberg officiating. A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 22nd at Strike Funeral Home – Cambridge Chapel and also 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
Glenda was born in Cass Lake, MN to Frieda and Roy Stai. She graduated at the top of her class from Cass Lake High School. She then followed her sister Diane to work for Prudential Insurance in Minneapolis. She continued her education by becoming a Radiology Technician at Hennepin County Medical Center. Over the course of her 40 year career, she became a department supervisor, and was able to fulfill her passion for breast cancer awareness by becoming a mammographer [R.T.(R)(M)(ARRT)].
While working at HCMC she met and married the love of her life, Dennis Wanless. They were married for over 40 years. They had one son, of whom they were very proud. She cherished her friends and family, especially the time she spent with her granddaughter, and special nieces and nephews.
Glenda enjoyed four-wheeling, horseback riding, snowmobiling, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, gardening, and dancing with her husband. She was a founding member of the St. FrancisSno-Ghost Snowmobile Club. She attended Grace Lutheran Church before moving to Isanti where she became an active member of Long Lake Lutheran Church. She spent time volunteering with Pathways Thrift Store in Cambridge.
Glenda Mae Wanless died September 19, 2010 at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. She was preceded in death by her father, Roy Stai; two brothers, Steven and Thavis Stai; one sister, Diane Stai.
She is survived by husband, Dennis Wanless; son, Fletcher (Aasha) Wanless; granddaughters, Lizelle and Ayslin Mae; and daughter of their heart, Susan (David) Eichstadt; mother, Frieda (Lester) Thorstad; brother, Roy (Linda) Stai; many nieces and nephews.
To Dennis and Fletcher and all the Wanless family,
Although I have only met Glenda a few times I have appeciated her presence-in particular I’m remembering at Thanksgiving. Funny as it may sound, her recipe for a delicious Sweet Potato Casserole will always bring her to mind. I’m so sorry that this weight of sadness has come upon you, but I trust that your strength as a family and your faith will lift you up in the days that follow.
May God bless you and give you His peace.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Bown (Joe Kubiatowicz’ Mom)
Dennis and Fletcher:
My heart reaches out to both of you. The quickness of death, the finality it carries, and the depth of the black hole it puts your entire being into is inconsolable.
I grieve your grief, I understand your anger. Your tears are my tears. Your deep unquenchable desire to understand the “why” behind it all….I know. My son is dying too.
Dennis,
Dorie and I are very sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ron and Dorie Johnson
Dear Dennis, Fletcher and the Wanless family;
I was blessed to have Glenda as a yoga student of mine for 4 years. She was dedicated to its practice and believed strongly in its benefits. She was a joy to have in class and I will miss her friendly, smiling face and gentle, determined spirit very much. She had a unique sense of style which complemented her personality…..always bright and sunny. She loved her family and we would share frequent updates on family, events, vacations and get-togethers. My heart goes out to all of you on her sudden loss. May you find some peace through your memories of Glenda and her loving spirit. Sincerely, Laura Irwin Schack
I was in Glenda’s yoga class and am shocked and saddened to hear about her passing. Please know that others, whom you don’t even know, are thinking of you as you grieve. Please take care of yourselves and allow yourself time to share stories. Glenda will be with you in a whole new way as you resume your lives. I know she will be missed.
Dolores Voorhees
Dennis and Fletcher,
I too, mourn the passing of Glenda. I met her in 1969 when I started training at the old General Hospital. Glenda was one of the best technologists I ever worked with. She had so much knowledge, and she passed it on to many students in Radiology. Once I became a registered tech, I continued to learn from her.
Her sense of humor was so sharp, and dry. She will be missed.
Liz Jamison