Wanda June Wagner

Wanda June Wagner of Gladstone (Kansas City), MO passed to her eternal home on June 21, 2020. She touched the face of Jesus with peace and grace at the home of her daughter, Robin June Snyder, in Lawson, MO and in the company of Robin and sister, Dixie Osborn.

June, the name she preferred to be called, was born in Berlin (Gentry County), MO on June 20, 1926 to Lewis G. Eierdanz and Eva Grace (Stegman) Eierdanz. She grew up in the same area attending Grandview Consolidated School and graduated as valedictorian from both the 8th grade and high school. She continued her academic education at Northwest Missouri Teachers College in Maryville, Mo. earning her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She continued her education at the University of Missouri/Kansas City where she earned a Masters of Arts degree, a Missouri State Librarian Certification, and also completed 50+ hours of post graduate work.

June began her teaching career in 1945 in one-room country schools. Subsequently she joined the North Kansas City School District where she taught at various schools and was a librarian for some 17 years. She retired in 1987 after enjoying a long and very satisfying career.

She was united in marriage to Willard A. “W.A.” Wagner on June 14, 1959 at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Berlin, Gentry County, MO. They moved to Gladstone, MO where they purchased their first home. To this union one child was born, Robin June (Wagner) Snyder. W.A. preceded her in death in 1976.

June attended the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, where she was an active member and baptized at a young age. Later she became a member of Englewood Baptist Church in Kansas City. At Englewood, she was an extremely active member, serving as a deacon, church librarian, and member of numerous committees. While there she also taught Sunday school, received an outstanding member award, and volunteered in the church office.

Together with her daughter, Robin, June is also survived by her sister, Dixie Marie (Marshall) Osborn, and husband, Gary Brelsford, of Vero Beach, FL. and several nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, also preceding her in death were her son-in-law, Oscar Lee Snyder, Lawson, MO, brother, William M. “Bill” Marshall and wife, Bonnie, Kansas City, MO and sister, Betty Jean Scott and husband, Dale, King City, MO.

June was a member of the Al Phi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, where she served in many capacities including as President. She was also a member of the Mid-Continent Chapter of American Business Women, serving on many committees and was chosen “Woman of the Year” in 1987. In retirement, volunteerism continued to be an important part of June’s life, including work at the Shepherd Center, Kansas City Public Television, and Heartland Regional Medical Center.

June was an avid reader, loved music and theatre, played piano, crocheted, sculpted ceramics, and embroidered among other interests. She traveled extensively in retirement, visiting all 50 states and several European countries. One of her most enjoyable trips was traveling to the Holy Land where she was baptized again in the River Jordan.

June will be greatly missed by family and friends. Sleep well, loved one.

Arrangements are under the direction of Newcomer’s White Chapel Funeral Home and Cemetery. A viewing for church members and friends will be held at Englewood Baptist Church, 1900 NE Englewood Rd., Kansas City, MO 64118 at 12:30 pm on Friday, June 26, 2020. A visitation and memorial service for family members and invited guests only will begin at 1:15 pm. Entombment will follow at Newcomer’s White Chapel Cemetery, 6600 NE Antioch Rd., Kansas City, MO 64119.

Out of concern for the health and safety of family and friends, all attendees will be required to wear face masks and maintain appropriate social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Englewood Baptist Church, 1900 NE Englewood Rd., Kansas City, MO 64118, the Alzheimer’s Association Heart of America Chapter, PO Box 96011, Washington DC 20090-6011, and/or the American Cancer Society, 1120 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64105 are suggested.