Wanda Garbarski

VISITATION:

4-7 p.m., Thursday, October 25 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel

COMMITTAL SERVICE:

1 p.m., Friday, October 26 at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.

Wanda Kate Garbarski, age 80, of Eau Claire, died unexpectedly on Friday October 19, 2012 at the Rutledge Assisted Living Home in Chippewa Falls.

Wanda was born on December 18, 1931 in Mulberry, Arkansas to Lucy (Whittaker) Neal and Edgar Neal. They lived in Chicago until Edgar's death. She later moved to Cornell, with her mother where she attended school. Wanda was a talented drummer for the school band.

Wanda married Robert Shafer in 1952, in Cornell. During their early years they lived on several Air Force bases. In 1954, while Robert was stationed at Eglin Air Force base in Fort Walton Beach, FL, their only child Brenda Lu Shafer was born. Robert and Wanda later divorced.

Wanda worked for several years for the A&P grocery in Chippewa Falls and moved to Hayward to continue to work with them. While in Hayward, she met Edward Garbarski and they married shortly thereafter. Wanda and Edward lived on Clear Lake in Round Lake Township where Wanda enjoyed taking care of the many homes around the lake when the owners were gone. She loved to snow shoe and cross country skiing. Wanda always had her camera ready while watching the loons and other animals on the lake. Wanda was an expert seamstress, knitter and craftsman. If there was a creative craft to complete, Wanda was the person to call. Wanda volunteered for Sawyer County Hospice, was the American Red Cross blood mobile chairman and led the Hayward Ladies of the Moose "Toys for Tots" program each Christmas. Wanda was also famous for her "drop" cheesecake that she made for all special occasions.

Wanda is survived by her daughter Brenda Balsiger of Chippewa Falls; granddaughter Sara (Jason) Towne of Rice Lake; great grandson Everett Towne; two brothers Clarence (Karen) Berg of Cornell, and Gordon (Marge) Berg of New Richmond; and many nieces and nephews.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, step father Millard Berg, a niece Pam Berg, and husband Edward died on 01/06/2012, and Robert Shafer on 08/01/2012.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, October 25 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls. Committal Service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday October 26, 2012, at the Northern Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.