Wanda Rae Ganske

Wanda Rae Ganske, 91, of Crosslake, MN passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025.Wanda was born on May 27, 1934, in Fairmont, MN, the daughter of Philo ‘Pete” and Pearl (Jones) Harris. She attended Fairmont public schools and graduated in 1952. On February 2, 1954, Wanda was united in marriage to Dale Ganske, and together they had 2 children, Daniel and Jayne. For many years, Wanda made North Mankato her home and was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of North Mankato. She also spent many years as the school secretary at Monroe Elementary School of North Mankato. After retirement, Dale and Wanda enjoyed spending their winters in Arizona and the rest of the year home in Minnesota. Wanda was an avid quilter and made many items to give away to family and friends.

Wanda is survived by her son, Daniel Ganske of Kelliher, MN; her daughter, Jayne (Ben) Heintz of Crosslake, MN; grandchildren, April (Tim) Pearson, Heidi Horton, Natalie (Knick) Glaisner, Benjamin (Anne) Heintz, Max (Katie) Heintz; great-grandchildren, Artemis and Nicholas Pearson, Evan, Blake and Jocelyn Horton, Bennett and Brooks Glaisner, George and Betty Heintz, Greta, Brynn and Jack Heintz; brother-in-law, Gene (Roberta) Ganske; sisters-in-law, Sandy Ganske and Maxine Ganske.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Philo “Pete” and Pearl (Jones) Harris; husband, Dale Ganske; daughter-in-law, Nancy Ganske; sisters, Neva Kost and Joan Silker; brother, Perry Harris; sisters-in-law, Lavonne Harris, Verna Cole, Iva Ganske, and Ardis Ganske; brothers-in-law, Jack Silker, Art Kost, Al Ganske, Roy Ganske, Jerry Ganske, and Gordon Cole; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Emil and Ida Ganske.

Memorial service will be 11am, Saturday, September 20, 2025 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Mankato with visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place at Kerns Oak Grove Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Whitefish at the Lakes Senior Living and St. Croix Hospice for the love and care shown to Wanda.