Wanda Leonard

Wanda M Leonard, 67 of Lincoln passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2011. She was born on November 4, 1943 in Gordon, Nebraska to Joseph and Esther Reiman. Wanda lived on her parents ranch near Martin, South Dakota during her youth years. She attended the University of Minnesota for one year and later transferred to South Dakota State University where she received her BS and MS degrees in Economics. She then served as Assistant Professor in Agricultural Economics and as a Graduate Instructor for her tenure of five years. In 1978 Wanda joined the faculty of the University of Nebraska Lincoln as Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics and an Extension Community Development Specialist. As an Extension Educator, she provided training for small businesses and their employees on marketing, theft prevention, expansion, finance and tax issues. She also developed and presented programs in citizenry for small communities. A program on home-based businesses resulted in over 400 new income revenue sources for Nebraska families. Additionally, Wanda also served on national and international community development organizations as a member of the Board of Directors and President (2001) of the International Community Development Society with members emanating from nearly every state in the United States and 29 foreign nations. Wanda served for 12 years on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Faculty Senate, including a two-year term on the Executive Committee. Wanda retired from UNL in 1998 and established her own business as Association Management and Planning Services. She was involved in the Every Woman Matters Program until her untimely death. Wanda is survived by her husband Warder Shires, her daughter and son in-law KayCee and Steve Wanser, son and daughter in-law Kent and Jody Leonard, and four grandchildren: Julia Leonard, Max, Addison, and Kamryn Wanser. Her parents and a grandson, Keaton Wanser of Lincoln, preceded Wanda in death. A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, March 18 at 10:00am at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S 14th St in Lincoln. There will be no viewing or graveside services. Memorials to the American Cancer Society. Condolences: www.lincolnfh.com Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home.