Wanda Schmuland

Wanda’s parents immigrated to Canada when she was 2 yrs old, with Burstall, SK holding the dearest memories of her childhood for her.

Coming from a German family, Wanda’s parents hired a tutor to teach Wanda English in order to make her life easier in the school system. Being the youngest, and the only girl, she was the apple of her Dad’s eye so she spent a lot of time watching him as he worked in his Blacksmith Shop. We think that is where she picked up her keen sense of engineering and creativity.

The Zinn family found their way to Kelowna, BC and Wanda was active in her church youth group. After high school she became a student at CTI/Christian Training Institute in Edmonton, AL where her singing and piano skills took her touring with the college quartet.

When Wanda returned to Kelowna, Oscar Schmuland, a newly graduated dentist was visiting his family in town and Wanda caught his eye. It only took 3 days, and they were engaged, and then married December 26, 1949 in Kelowna.

Oscar and Wanda established their new home in Renton, WA where Oscar started his dental practice. Things were settling into place, Ruth was born in 1952 and then the US Army recruited him for their needs during the Korean War so they served 2 years in Heidelberg, Germany as an Army dentist.

While in Germany, Jeanne was born in 1954.

Re-establishing was challenging - but Wanda was a dedicated wife and mother with strong perseverance. Oscar and Wanda had a dedicated relationship with the Lord so their faith and trust in Him led them at all times. Dennis was born in 1956 and Barbara was born in 1957 in Renton, to complete the family. They were active in Renton Dunlap Baptist Church, then helped significantly in church planting with the North American Baptist Conference, and this led them to be an integral part in the development of Sierra Heights Baptist Church in Renton, WA.

Wanda’s many gifts were used and appreciated as she was a do-er: piano and organ accompanist, choir leader, Sunday School teacher, youth group associate, weekly floral arrangements and if food was needed anywhere or for anyone, Wanda was handling it all. She was famous for her cabbage rolls. Wanda's generosity knew no bounds, as she welcomed missionaries, friends, and extended family with open arms and a warm meal.

After her children were grown, Oscar and Wanda were known for making their house a welcoming home away from home for extended family and church new comers.

Post retirement, they traveled to Europe, Mexico, Japan and numerous trips to Canada to see family, friends and homesteads of both their youths.

Wanda’s love for God showed from her heart to her hands in doing and giving, all the time. She epitomized the words: Love Does. She was sharp, in great humor, and retained her clarity and memory all the way up to her final days. She was smiling every day of her life, even as she entered the arms of Jesus.

A celebration of life will be held later for family and friends.