Wanda Johnson Block died peacefully at the home of her daughter in Bradenton, FL on November 14, 2014. Wanda was born April 14, 1922 to Dora and Eben Johnson and was a descendant of Charles Johnson, the original founder of the Lindsborg Old Mill. Wanda is preceded in death by her parents and husband Harold (Short) Block. Wanda was one of nine children of which Howard, Grace, Bly, Alva, Ruth, Lester and Evan have preceded her in death and sister Minnie of Lawrence, KS survives. She is also survived by her daughters Christine Allen (Mike), Eau Claire, WS., Cynthia Block, Bradenton, FL., Rise Haneberg (Jeff), Lenexa, KS., and Betsy Baltzer (Paul), Andover, KS. Grandchildren include Steven and Kevin Everhart, Monica Heidewald, Clara and Margaret Haneberg, and Gib and Will Baltzer and seven great grandchildren who were all the love of her life.
Wanda was a graduate of the Brown-Mackie School of Business and worked a civil service job until her marriage in 1944. When Short returned from serving in WWII, they farmed in the Bavaria, KS area until his untimely death in 1971. Wanda then moved to Salina, and worked as a secretary at Salina Central High school until her retirement in 1994. She then moved to Lenexa, KS to be close to her grandchildren. Wanda moved with her daughter, Cynthia to Bradenton FL in the fall of 2013 to enjoy a warmer climate and resided there until her death. Wanda was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Salina. She was proud of her Swedish heritage and passed on many traditions to her family. She will be fondly remembered as a wonderful Grammy, faithful Christian, loyal friend and avid sports follower of the Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Royals.
Services will be held Wednesday November 26th at 1 pm at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Salina, with visitation and lunch from 11 am to 12:30 pm in the Immanuel Fellowship Hall. Memorials may be made to the Lindsborg Old Mill Museum or to Immanuel Lutheran Church.