Wanda Louise Klemcke Arizola

Wanda was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, dedicated educator, and faithful Catholic whose life was centered around God, family, and serving others. On September 17, 2026, God called her home before we were all ready but like she would always say, “God has a reason.”

Wanda was born on July 1, 1951, in McAllen, Texas, to George and Jim Ella Klemcke. She attended St. Mary’s Elementary School in Landover Hills, Maryland, followed by Elizabeth Seton High School and DuVal High School in Maryland. After moving back to Texas, she attended Somerset High School and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1969. She continued her education at Our Lady of the Lake College from 1969 to 1973, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Elementary Education where she met the love of her life, Peter.

Education became one of Wanda’s lifelong callings. Over the course of 27 years as an elementary school teacher, she touched the lives of countless children and families. She began her teaching career at J.T. Brackenridge in 1973, teaching 2nd grade. She later taught 2nd grade at St. Paul Catholic School from 1989 to 1998, 1st through 3rd grades at Cenizo Park Elementary from 1998 to 2005, and concluded her teaching career at Douglass Elementary, where she served from 2005 until her retirement in May 2013.

Her commitment as an educator was recognized throughout her career. Wanda was nominated for the Sr. Clare Maher Award in April 1992, named Teacher of the Month in January and February 1998, and honored as Teacher of the Year for the 2001–2002 school year.

Her dedication to children extended far beyond the classroom.

Wanda served with Summer Bible School at St. Paul, CCD Teacher at Our Lady of Guadalupe, and as both a Girl Scout Leader and Girl Scout Service Unit Director from 1984 to 1987. She was also a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies’ Auxiliary.

Wanda was also known for her incredible work ethic and willingness to do whatever was necessary for her family. Along with teaching, she worked additional part-time jobs, including Avon and QVC—helping, as the family lovingly joked, to pay for her “expensive daughters.”

After retirement, Wanda and Peter enjoyed traveling together and, most importantly, spending time with their family. She rarely missed an opportunity to support her grandchildren. Whether attending school activities, extracurricular events, or sporting events, Ge’ma was there, cheering proudly. She was truly her daughters’ and grandchildren’s number one fan.

Wanda also appreciated life’s peaceful moments. She loved traveling, watching the deer, feeding the ducks, listening to the ocean while watching the seagulls fly by, and making a home for the many feral cats adopted over the years.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, George F. Klemcke and Jim Ella Kallina Klemcke; her brother, Donald K. Klemcke; and her beloved daughter, P’triss Desiree Arizola.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Pedro “Peter” Arizola; her daughters, Nikola Cruz (Ramsey), Alyssa Arredondo (Erik), and Lindsie Cavazos (Felipe); and her grandchildren, Evan, Violet, Ramsey, Ralphael, Riovanny, Xavier, Ramanda, Dominick, Rayatti, Isabella, Valentino, Mila, Romeo, and Emily. She is also survived by her brother, Harold Klemcke (Teresa); her sister, J. Renell Oxford; her sister-in-law, Deborah Klemcke; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Wanda leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a family strengthened by her example, generations of students whose lives she helped shape, and a legacy of faith, devotion, kindness, and unconditional love that will continue through everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Providence Catholic School, where her four daughters were blessed to attend high school. Providence held a special place in her heart, and she was incredibly proud of the young women her daughters became during their time there.

https://app.hellofund.com/f/providence-catholic-school/annual-fund-2026-27

In her memory, we invite you to help continue the legacy she cherished so deeply—the opportunity to provide young women with an exceptional education, strong values, faith, and the foundation to become the women they are meant to be. Your generosity would be a beautiful way to honor her life, her love for her daughters, and her belief in investing in the future of young women.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.