Wanda Lee Baker Wiehe

1931 - 2025

Wanda Lee Baker Wiehe

Jun 8, 1931 - Sep 30, 2025

Wanda Lee Baker Wiehe passed away peacefully in her home on September 30, 2025. In her final days, she was surrounded by the love of her three daughters, many grandchildren, cherished friends and her devoted and loyal caregivers.

Wanda was born on June 8, 1931 to the late Marquis Lafayette Baker and Oneda May Eller Baker. She was raised in Mt. Vernon, IL, along with her four siblings.

After graduating from Mt. Vernon High School, she started her career in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (in Springfield, IL and Los Angeles, CA), living and working as an independent single woman for several years, before marrying U.S. Navy bandsman and fellow southern Illinois native, Lawrence Wiehe, Jr. on her birthday in 1956.

Wanda and Larry lived in the Washington, D.C. area for the next 22 years, where they raised three daughters, while also continuing her career in Administration at both United Airlines and subsequently, at the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

The family often attended Larry's military band concerts with both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force Bands, where he served as the trombone soloist for his entire career. Their life in Washington was filled with beautiful music and cherished friends.

Following Larry's retirement from the U.S. Air Force Band, Wanda and Larry moved to Centralia, IL, which was Larry's hometown, before eventually moving to Clemmons, NC.

While living in Clemmons, Wanda worked for R.J. Reynolds as an Executive Secretary, and later, in sales for both Bermuda Village and Heritage Woods Senior Living.

In 1989, Wanda and Larry purchased a 55-acre farm in Pinnacle, NC, where they lived in a log home built in the 1850's. Wanda was never happier than when she revitalized the log home and improved the surrounding landscape.

The views of the Sauratown Mountains and Pilot Mountain were breathtaking and were treasured by the whole family, but especially Wanda. It was definitely her happy place!

After Larry's unexpected death in 1992, Wanda eventually relocated to Troutman, NC, on the shores of Lake Norman. She loved living by the water, boating, and spending time with her family on the lake.

She spent her later years back in Clemmons, very content with her "little house," close to family and friends and in familiar surroundings.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Wiehe, and her four siblings: Marjorie Smith, Norma Little, Lova Friske and Marquis (Mark) Baker.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Lynn Conti (Lou) of Fayetteville, GA, Lisa Wiehe of Cary, NC, and Lara Patterson (Bruce) of Winston-Salem, NC, as well as seven cherished grandchildren: Danielle Conti, Madeleine Conti, Elise Conti, Lucien Conti, Jr., Chandler Carpenter, Sophie Carpenter and Lilly Carpenter. Her grandchildren were truly the light of her life.

The family would like to express our most sincere gratitude to Wanda's caregivers. Their tireless dedication and support provided our mother with the absolute finest of care, so she was able to remain in her home until her passing, as she wished.

Rest in peace, Mom. Your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Trellis Supportive Care at https://www.trellissupport.org/donate

Wanda will be interred alongside her late husband, CMSgt. Lawrence Wiehe, Jr., at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, at a date to be determined.

Send condolences online at www.salemfh.com.

Salem Funeral Home

2951 Reynolda Rd. Winston-Salem, NC 27106