Wanda Ann Harris, 72, of Merrill, Wisconsin went to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ, on August 21, 2021. Wanda was born on October 17, 1948 in Merrill Wisconsin to Roger and Joan Gutknecht. She received her B.S. in Elementary Education from John Brown University in 1970. At JBU, she met her soon to be husband, Donald Harris and they were married on July 31, 1971. She taught Kindergarten, First and Second Grade and after her children were born, she continued to substitute teach for the Merrill School District. Wanda and Donald partnered with her parents in developing and operating Whispering Pines Mobile Home Park until 1982 in Merrill. Wanda was very involved at all levels in many church and Christian Organizations including Christian Women’s Club, Awana, VBS, Good News Clubs, and many Bible studies in parks, churches, and homes around Merrill. Wanda’s service may be highlighted by her commitment to the Pine Crest Nursing home community. Wanda led a weekly bible study with residents for 40 years. Don and Wanda were charter members of Merrill Bible Church, spent 25 years at Immanuel Baptist Church in Wausau, WI, and are currently members of Highland Community Church.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents Roger and Joan Gutknecht. She is survived by her husband, Donald; her son Aaron (Heather), and grandchildren Jack and Aidan of Denver, CO; her son Joshua(Margot), and grandchildren Sawyer, Eva, Isaac, and John of Janesville, WI; her sister Linda (Steve) Mittelstadt of Marco Island, FL; her sister Susan (Dennis) Bergthold of Siloam Springs, AR, and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials can be made at Gideon’s International (www.sendtheword.org). Her funeral service will be held August 30, 2021 at Highland Community Church, Wausau Campus with a visitation beginning at 9AM and service at 11AM. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.