Wanda S. Ahrendsen

Wanda Siebels Ahrendsen of Webster, NY passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at the age of 100. She was predeceased by her husband, Lowell Ahrendsen, parents, George and Laura Siebels, sister Shirley Handel, brother John Siebels, daughter-in-law Susan Ahrendsen, son-in-law John Miller, and great-grandson Robert Miller. She is survived by her son Jeff Ahrendsen (Sheree), daughter Kim Miller, son Curt Ahrendsen (Roxane), 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends.
Wanda was born in Anamosa, Iowa on November 20, 1924. She grew up in Amber, Iowa where her parents owned a general store and ran the post office. She was a proud graduate of the University of Iowa, earning a degree in economics and joining Alpha Chi Omega. Go Hawkeyes! Her first job after graduating from college was at a bank in Chicago and she met her husband, Lowell, also an Iowa native, while traveling home for Christmas. They were married on March 25, 1951 and moved to New Jersey where Lowell served in the army. A move to Rochester came with a job at Eastman Kodak Company and that's where their family was built. Wanda later worked at Monroe Developmental Center and, upon retirement from that position, worked at the Mary Cariola Center. She loved her work and used her compassion and expertise to benefit her many clients. At home, Wanda was the consummate entertainer - her crab imperial was a signature dish and cocktail parties at the house were the stuff of legends. Her Christmas card list went on for pages. A member of Monroe Golf Club for 69 years, Wanda played golf, bridge, and mahjong with her many friends there - and loved chef's ham salad as well as the club's Caesar salad (with anchovies, of course) and French Onion soup. Retirement brought Wanda and Lowell to a new house on the Erie Canal and membership in the Fairport Historical Society. Many days were spent entertaining on the deck overlooking the water. Finally downsizing with a move to The Highlands of Pittsford with Lowell at age 90, Wanda continued to make many new friends while deepening her ties to her Alpha Chi sisters at Tuesday night dinners. She was a member of The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer for over 70 years. In her quiet time, she loved to read and keep in touch with friends and family across the country. She was always up for a car ride in the country and chocolate almond frozen custard at Abbott's!
The family sends grateful thanks to the staff at The Highlands of Pittsford and The Maplewood in Webster for their loving care and to her friends for visits, emails, phone calls, and cards.
A reception to celebrate her life will be held at a later date. Internment is private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1549 Dewey Avenue, Rochester, NY 14615; or to Camp Courageous, 12007 190th Street, Monticello, Iowa 52310.